A PEACE garden created in Mansfield in memory of a local solider who died after returning to the UK when he was taken ill whilst serving in Afghanistan has been officially opened.

Lance Corporal Taran “Tay” Cheeseman died in 2009 aged 21.

Since then his parents, Steven and Tracey Cheeseman, raised more than £11,000 for a permanent memorial.

With the help of £35,000 from Nottinghamshire County Council’s Local Improvement Scheme, the memorial was officially opened.

The work to create the park was carried out jointly with Mansfield District Council, who will be contributing towards its maintenance.

The Cheeseman family commissioned the central feature of the memorial – a stone obelisk with a commemorative plaque.

The Peace Garden features seating areas, planted beds, and other features to make the site attractive to wildlife. Local people will be given the opportunity to add plaques to the garden in memory of their loved ones.

Pictured are Co Coun Darren Langton, Tracey Cheeseman, Co Coun Diana Meale and Steven Cheeseman. PHOTO: Andrew Marples.