AS this year marks 100 years since the start of the First World War, calls are being made for any former members of the Women’s Land Army and Timber Corps to come forward for the unveiling of a special wartime tribute.

A bronze memorial sculpture of two young girls dressed in their Land Girls and Lumber Jills uniforms has been created by sculptor Denise Dutton in recognition of the women’s achievements during the First and Second World Wars.

Former members are now being encouraged to come forward and show their interest if they would like to attend the unveiling of the memorial which, if a further £20,000 can be raised, will happen later this year at the National Memorial Arboretum, near Lichfield.

Eunice Finney, press officer for the Women’s Land Army Tribute, said that she was thrilled that these women were finally being honoured.

“It is high time these fantastic women were recognised as they changed the face of agriculture during the war,” she said.

“Many of these ladies have sadly passed away but we are determined to honour those who are able to attend the opening ceremony and remember those who are no longer with us.”

The Women’s Land Army was formed during the First World War when women worked on the land as the men went off to war.

By the Second World War, there were about 80,000 young women working to support agriculture to feed the nation.

The Women’s Timber Corps, commonly known as the Lumber Jills, was formed during the Second World War where young women worked felling trees, sawing timber and making railway sleepers, telegraph poles and barricdes.

To find out more information and to apply to be at the unveiling of the statue, visit the website at womenslandarmytribute.co.uk