THE county's Korean War veterans are commemorating the outbreak of hostilities with living memorials to fallen comrades.

The year 2000 is of special significance to those 100,000 British servicemen who fought for 'humanity and freedom' under the United Nations banner.

To mark the 50th anniversary, Hereford branch of the Korean Veterans Association has planted trees of memorial -- English oaks and Korean cherries -- in each of Herefordshire's market towns.

Bronze plaques carry the words: "The Korean War 1950-1953. 'Not one of them is forgotten before God'."

Services of dedication are being held throughout June and July, which all ex-servicemen and members of the public are welcome to attend.

Some have already been held, on the Recreation Ground, Kington, at Eardisley Church and Leominster Priory, while others take place over coming weeks.

On Saturday, a service and dedication will be held at the Public Hall Garden, Bromyard, at noon.

A service at 11am on Sunday at St Michael's Church, Ledbury, followed by dedication at the Walled Garden, falls on the actual 50th anniversary.

St Mary's Church, Ross-on-Wye, hosts a service at 10.30am on Saturday, July 1, followed by the dedication at the Prospect.

Finally, there will be a service at the Rose Gardens, Ledbury Road, Hereford, at noon. This will be led by the honorary chaplain to the British Korean Veterans Association.