A specially designed statue and a new commemorative stone have been unveiled at the opening ceremony and re-dedication of the refurbished Tonbridge Memorial Gardens today.

The statue, which was designed and partially created by students from Tonbridge alongside internationally acclaimed sculptor, Guy Portelli, was revealed to His Royal Highness, The Duke of Kent during the service.

The diminishing identity of the garden as a memorial and the deteriorating condition of the memorial wall, the paving and the planting as well as restricted disabled access led to the creation of The Tonbridge Memorial Gardens Trust in 2010.

Chaired by Group Captain Patrick Tootal OBE DL, the Trust launched a campaign to raise the necessary funds to carry out the refurbishment works, with the success of the project relying on the generosity of local people, businesses and organisations.

Patrick Tootal said: "This has been a remarkably successful community project and I am delighted that it has come to fruition.”

Nearly two years ago trustees embarked on a mission to get young people from Tonbridge involved in the regeneration and design of the statue.

Pam Mills, youth officer for the Royal British Legion in Tonbridge was designated as the project co-ordinator.

She approached secondary schools in the area and invited students to enter their designs for for the project which would mark the centenary of the First World War.

After over 200 entries, 18 children were selected to meet Mr Portelli, who led the creation of the statue, to explain the theory behind their piece.

They then presented their ideas for public comment through an exhibition.

12-year-old Ellie Baxter from Hillview School for Girls in Tonbridge was chosen as the winner with her design of a huge poppy titled 'The Torch'.

Pam covered the expenses of the project using money she gained from fundraising.

So far she has raised nearly £20,000 enabling Mr Portelli and Ellie to create the proto-types, commission the real statue and present it to the public.

She said: "Hundreds of students made entries which was fantastic to see. They were really enthused by the idea of creating something for the memorial gardens.

"Deciding which design to use was a lengthy process but it was decided Ellie's was the winner.

"Guy Portelli has been working really hard to create the statue, Ellie has been helping him along the way and having her input."

13-year-old Kacey Trow from Hugh Christie Technology College was also part of the construction and has designed pieces of the statue's base.

She has included prints of bullets, shrapnel and other items that would have been found on the floor of a battlefield during the war.

Nicole Smith also of Hillview School for Girls was also part of the construction of The Torch, she designed an Invicta horse that is included on the face of the poppy.

All three dedicated hours of work to the project that was unveiled today.

Pam added: "I think the statue is amazing. The poppy is so affiliated with the Royal British Legion so what could be more appropriate for a memorial stone.

"I'd really like to thank everyone that has helped me fund raise to make this project possible. I couldn't have done it without any of you."

His Royal Highness, The Duke of Kent also unveiled a new commemorative stone which reads: "The Refurbished Tonbridge Memorial Gardens opened by HRH The Duke of Kent KG on 22 September 2014."

He then embarked on a walk about in the Gardens, speaking to a number of residents who had contributed to the fundraising, as well as Guy Portelli, Ellie Baxter and Kasey Trow.

Before the arrival of the Duke of Kent the 17th Tonbridge Scout Guide Band played as local residents, businesses and organisations, all of whom had contributed to the fundraising, took their places in the refurbished Memorial Gardens.

"The Trust has worked hard to help raise the funding and thanks are due to all those who have contributed to the cost of the works" - Nicholas Heslop, leader of TMBC

Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council put £25,000 into the refurbishment pot to start the ball rolling and with the assistance of the Trust, external funding grants and contributions from local housing developments the project cost of just over £250,000 has been fully met.

Nicolas Heslop, leader of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, said: “I am so pleased with what we have been able to achieve and in good time for this year’s centenary commemoration.

"I am sure that everyone present at today’s opening ceremony will have been impressed by the high standard of the refurbishment – as befitting a memorial to those who gave their lives for this country and whose names we honour.

"The Trust has worked hard to help raise the funding and thanks are due to all those who have contributed to the cost of the works."