A CHURCH’S stained glass window which pays tribute to York servicemen and women who served in Afghanistan - including three killed in action – will now shine out after dark.

Special lighting has been installed inside All Saints’ Church, Pavement, to illuminate the window so it can be seen by pedestrians as they walk past each evening.

Relatives of the three servicemen who paid the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan, Marine David Hart, Trooper Ashley David Smith and Lance Bombardier Matthew Hatton, attended a short ceremony last night as the lights were switched on.

They were delighted by the project, which was funded by the City of York Afghanistan Commemorative Appeal, launched by The Press in 2011 following their sons’ deaths and raised more than £17,000 thanks to support from thousands of readers and other residents.

Matthew’s mother Jill said:”It’s stunning - it brings it to life,” while Ashley’s mother Sandra said: “I think it’s beautiful.”

David’s mother Dilys said: “I’m very pleased - it shows it off so wonderfully. It’s so beautiful.”

Priest-in-charge, the Reverend Jane Nattrass, said prayers inside the church before the lights were switched on. She said she hoped people walking past would stop and ponder as they saw the window lit up.

Joshua Scarlett, of York Civic Trust, also praised the lighting, which will be switched on automatically every evening at 4.30 pm through the winter months and stay on until 11pm.

The window, designed by Helen Whittaker from Barley Studios in Dunnington, features the traditional symbol of peace in the form of a dove.

Beneath this is a winding pavement and a single White Rose of Yorkshire, surrounded by poppies, the symbol of remembrance.