FAMILIES of Chippenham's fallen war heroes will be attending a service of dedication at the town's newly refurbished war memorial tomorrow.

The widow of Corporal David Williams, one of the men killed when a Hercules was shot down over Iraq in January 2005, is expected to attend as his name will be added to the memorial.

Jim Scott, of the Royal British Legion, said they had also invited the families of the five other men who died in earlier wars, whose names will be added to the memorial for the first time.

The re-dedication, organised by Chippenham Royal British Legion vice-chairman Anne Clifford, will begin at 10.50am, with buglers attending, and standard bearers for the Royal British Legion and the Royal Air Force Association.

A short service will be conducted by the Rev Simon Tatton-Brown, and is in addition to the Remembrance Sunday commemoration the following day.

The refurbishment work began in mid-September and the new name plaque was fitted on Wednesday.

Ray Lane, head of service delivery at Chippenham Town Council, said: "The conservation officer looked at it and was very pleased with the work."

The memorial in Upper Market Place has been covered by scaffolding and plastic sheeting while work is carried out by Nimbus Conservation, a company recommended by the War Graves Commission.

The old nameplates were cracked and weathering had affected the stonework. The town council has paid for the work, which cost about £21,500.