IT has been more than half a century since the Second World War ended but Britain's servicemen and women have had little time to rest.

In the 57 years since then there has only been one year in which not a single soldier, airman or sailor has been killed on active service.

And on Sunday, for what is believed to be the first time, a memorial to those unsung heroes and heroines was unveiled. At a sombre ceremony in the grounds of County Hall, Northallerton, the Last Post were heard once more.

Former soldier Trevor Kershaw, now 67 and living in Bedale, spent 15 years in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, serving in Korea, Malaya, Cyprus and Suez.

A member of the National Malaya and Borneo Association, he realised there was no memorial to all those from the combined services who had died since 1945 and decided to do something about. After a slow start his campaign gained momentum, gathering support, financial and otherwise, from across Yorkshire.

At Sunday's service of remembrance that campaign reached fruition, as a simple but dignified memorial stone was dedicated in the tranquil grounds and banner-bearing representatives of veterans' associations from across the county paid tribute.

"I am so glad this has happened at last," said Trevor. "We owed it to so many."