The plaque, unveiled at The Centre of England (Midland Oak) Park, pays tribute to the estimated eight million equine animals that lost their lives during the First World War.

A magnificent shire horse was present at a moving service held in a Leamington park as part of the unveiling of a plaque which pays tribute to the eight million equine animals killed during the First World War.

The plaque, at The Centre of England (Midland Oak) Park, is situated next to the memorial of Warwickshire Royal Horse Artillery Territorial Force (WRHA (TF), the first volunteer battery to see active service in a theatre of war.

The battery were encamped on the park and surrounding fields prior to leaving for France in 1914.

The service took place on Saturday (November 7) as part of Leamington’s Remembrance events.

The plaque, which was officially unveiled by Leamington Mayor Cllr Sarah Boad, was commissioned by the Friends of Midland Oak Park group with support from the Warwickshire County Council Councillors’ Grant Fund.

Lorella Medici, of the friends group, said: “The beautiful shire horse reminded us that we don't think often enough how war impacts on animals and nature.”