A SCULPTURE to mark the end of the centenary of the First World War has been unveiled at Cirencester’s New Brewery Arts (NBA) centre.

Residents, businesspeople and leaders in the town gathered on Saturday to witness the unveiling of the piece of art, which has been affixed to the front of the arts building in the centre of Cirencester.

The wire sculpture depicts a flock of homing pigeons carrying the names of the schools and groups which participated in this year’s centenary project Cirencester Commemorates.

It was made possible thanks to a project funded by a £34,700 grant from Heritage Lottery Fund, which was given to Cirencester to understand the heritage of the First World War and explore what it means to the town today.

Throughout last year, Cirencester Commemorates hosted events for the people of the town, allowing them to mark the milestone year.

The unveiling of the sculpture, designed by Celia Smith, was a culmination of the year long programme and was attended by soldiers from the Duke of Gloucester Barracks, the Royal British Legion, Mayor of Cirencester Joe Harris and local schoolchildren.

Hannah Brady, part of the team organising the sculpture on behalf of NBA, said: “Our year long efforts have touched hundreds of people in the local community and this memorial will be a constant reminder of everything we have learnt together.

“The memorial has been inspired both by the past and the present. Stories have been taken out of the archives and into the lives of those around us.”