Two memorials for Britain's nuclear test veterans are to be unveiled in Peterborough.

The new memorials in Central Park will honour those who died and continue to suffer from Britain's nuclear testing programme in the 1950s and 60s.

The unveiling ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 19, from 12pm to 2pm, with Peterborough mayor Cllr Marco Cereste officiating.

Councillor Alan Dowson, who was exposed to nuclear testing as a 19-year-old serviceman in the Pacific in 1958, will be among the attendees.

Councillor Dowson, who has campaigned for recognition for nuclear veterans, said: "I am delighted, proud and humbled by these two new memorials and the work the council has done to get them installed in Central Park.

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"As far as I'm aware no other council has commemorated nuclear veterans, so we are setting a poignant precedent here in Peterborough.

"It is vitally important to remember those who served their countries.

"There are not many nuclear veterans left - only 13 or 14 in East Anglia.

"I'm looking forward to the official unveiling and catching up with fellow veterans about our lives and experiences, it will be lovely to see them."

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The memorials, believed to be the first of their kind in the country, were funded by the Community Leadership Fund.

They include a stone plaque in the park’s sunken garden, dedicated to the legacy of atomic bomb and test survivors, and two stone plinths in the park’s wreath-laying area, honouring deceased and injured nuclear veterans.

Councillor Katy Cole, who helped organise the event, said: "The memorials are about recognising those who gave their lives as part of the nuclear testing programme, as well as those who suffered for years afterwards, having served their countries. "

She urged everyone to attend the "poignant occasion" and noted that several veterans and current military members will be present.