A WAR memorial unveiled by Prince Harry in Kent was made in East Lancashire.

The World War One Arch in Folkestone honours the men and women who served in the conflict and was unveiled on Monday.

The gleaming, stainless steel arch was made by by the Darwen-based WEC’s m-tec division, which specialises in architectural metalwork fabrication.

Thousands turned out for the ceremony and to commemorate the millions of men and women who travelled to and from the Western Front during the conflict.

The £500,000 14-metre high arch is made of highly-polished steel.

It is a catenary arch, a form in architecture recognised all around the world, and sits at the top of a hill leading down to the harbour where boats awaited the troops to take them across the English Channel.

It was created by the Junction Street firm for the Folkestone-based educational charity Step Short.

Tom Elliot, divisional manager at m-tec, said: “We are honoured to have played our part in the creation of this very special memorial to the men and women who sacrificed so much for us a century ago.

“The arch is a stunning piece of design work and is a fitting tribute.

“It now stands at the gateway where millions of British soldiers took the journey to fight for our country and is a piece of work we were proud to manufacture.

“It was fantastic to see so many people of all ages turn out in the sunshine for the unveiling by Prince Harry exactly 100 years since war was declared.

“Step Short’s aim is to ensure all those who passed through Folkestone during the conflict are remembered. This piece of artwork will certainly achieve that.”

Damian Collins, MP for Folkestone and Hythe and chairman of Step Short, said: “I would like to thank the organisations that have been involved in building the arch, in particular the WEC Group from Darwen who constructed the steel arch.”