IN PICTURES: New memorials to those who lost their lives and are still suffering as a result of Britain’s nuclear testing programme unveiled in Peterborough's Central Park

A poignant service to unveil two memorials dedicated to those who lost their lives and are still suffering as a result of Britain’s nuclear testing programme more than half a century ago took place in a Peterborough park.

Former Mayor of Peterborough, Cllr Alan Dowson, who was exposed to nuclear testing whilst stationed as a 19-year-old serviceman in the Pacific in 1958, was on hand for the unveiling of the memorials in the sunken garden in Central Park on Saturday.

Cllr Dowson, who suffered physical ailments as a result, was awarded a Nuclear Test Medal by the government earlier this year and has previously campaigned for recognition for nuclear veterans.

It is believed these Peterborough’s memorials are the first of their kind in the country and were installed after councillors used money from the Community Leadership Fund (CLF).

Cllr Alan Dowson 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. 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."

The new memorials consist of a stone plaque in the park’s sunken garden dedicated to the legacy of the Atomic Bomb and Atomic Test Survivors. The plaque was supported by the LABRATS group, who campaign for recognition for nuclear survivors.

Work to complete the second memorial is currently being finalised and this will consist of two stone plinths in the park’s wreath laying area, displaying wording dedicated to deceased nuclear veterans and those who suffered injuries serving their country.