Human lives are not the only ones sacrificed in war. Animals have also been at man’s side in conflicts throughout history.

Now their contribution has been recognised with a new memorial at the Garden of Remembrance in Sandgate Road in Folkestone which was dedicated on Friday.

Town councillor Brian Copping initiated the project in 2012.

After generous donations from around the community, a new black granite block depicting a horse, Alsatian dog and a carrier pigeon with the words “in remembrance of those with hoof, wing and paw who serve mankind in peace and war” has been placed in the Garden of Remembrance in Sandgate Road.

The dedication service led by the mayor’s chaplain, Eileen Webb, started with the hymn All Things Bright And Beautiful and finished with the release of white pigeons from the Folkestone Racing Pigeon Society.

Town clerk Jennifer Childs said: “It was a lovely service and special thanks to Cllr Copping and Ken Fisher for the artwork and all the fundraisers.”