A school has unveiled a Remembrance monument as part of its memorial garden to mark the centenary of the First World War.
The monument was designed by ten-year-old Megan Bynt, who won a competition at St James Primary School, in Caerphilly.
The design shows a cross, dove and poppy which she said represents remembrance, peace and the fallen.
The project was instigated by Van Community Council who, with local groups built a wall around the memorial garden.
The monument was sponsored by South Wales Monuments when Van Community Council withdrew from the project.
Megan’s father, Gary Bynt said: “We couldn’t believe it when she came up with the design, it was mind blowing.
“We didn’t think we’d get the monument finished and we phoned everyone asking them for help.”
South Wales Monuments answered the call and owner John Styles went to see Megan’s design and paid for the memorial.
He said: “I looked at Megan’s drawing and thought I can do something with that.
“Then it was just a long process, but we did it for the school and for Megan.”
This article was amended on November 20 2014 to clarify Van Community Council’s role in the project after we stated they cut funding.
Following reading this article I feel I need to put the record straight.
As chair of Van Community Council I can assure that the funding was not cut, the funding remained until staff from St James school advised that they did not want to proceed with the monument.
This was due to a time delay in their response to the request by Van Community Council for materials used to be reconsidered from wood to a resin form as it was felt resin would be more resilient to the elements.
I am very pleased that Megan’s excellent work has been displayed for all to see and reassure you the Community Council was more that happy to assist.
All correspondence regarding this is available to the public.