THE stunning stained glass window which is York's official way of commemorating the thousands of local men and women who served in Afghanistan was formally dedicated yesterday.

It made for a deeply moving ceremony.

Foremost in the thoughts of those present at All Saints Church in Pavement were the three young servicemen who gave their lives: Marine David Hart, Lance Bombardier Matthew Hatton and Trooper Ashley David Smith.

The dove symbolising peace which forms the focus of the window somehow captured both the terrible waste of these young lives, but also the way they will forever remain in the hearts of the people of York.

While it was the memories of these three young men which suffused the ceremony presided over by the Archbishop of York yesterday, the window is more than a memorial to those who died.

It also serves to commemorate all of those men and women from York who have served with the armed forces in Afghanistan.

Created by leading stained glass artist Helen Whittaker and funded by the City of York Afghanistan Appeal launched by The Press, the window is a lasting monument to the very best of York - both those who died and those many more who, thankfully, have lived to talk of their experiences.

York has a proud military tradition. That was reflected in the countless ways in which the city's people rallied around to raise funds for the window.

Now, thanks to their efforts, the courage, sacrifice and dedication of those young people who served their country in Afghanistan is fittingly remembered in their home city at last.