War veteran Reg Rolph

, aged 86, who lives in Norton, said: "I'm pleased so many people have come here to see the memorial. We've got to remember the past and those who didn't come back.

"I served in the Far East, in Burma, and there were soldiers there from this area."

Kenneth Wright, aged 83, who lives in Bucknall, said: "I took part in the Normandy landings, along with my two brothers. My brother Ralph, who was a corporal, was killed in August 1944.

"We were from Scotia Road, Tunstall, but his name isn't on the memorial. I'm going to see if we can get it put on. I think he would be proud."