In November, people in St Albans took part in a moment of silence in respect for the lives lost in the line of duty.

The Mayor of St Albans, Cllr Janet Smith, led tributes to Britain’s armed forces at two Remembrance ceremonies.

There was a parade featuring representatives from Air, Sea and Army cadets, the guiding and scout movements, and members of emergency services.

The Mayor said: “I was very proud to lead our community as it paid its respects to those who gave their lives in two World Wars and other conflicts while serving their country."

Campaigners spoke about their fear of a proposal to extract eight million tonnes of gravel from a former aerodrome site which they said will lead to contamination of underground water reserves.

The planning application by construction group, Brett, details a development of a new gravel quarry at former Hatfield Aerodrome site.

A spokesperson from Brett said the site had been identified for quarrying in the county’s minerals local plan for a number of years.

They added: “The application is supported by a full environmental assessment, and as part of this process we have provided the authorities with the latest environmental studies, including assessments on groundwater quality.”

Lesley McGuire, 72, from St Albans, runs peer support groups for brain injury charity Headway Hertfordshire after spending nine years looking after her son, Keith.

Her son had emergency surgery after suffering a seizure in 2010 which doctors believed was link to a motorcycle accident he had in 2008.

Mrs McGuire experienced difficulties as a carer and wanted to set up sessions at charity, Headway Hertfordshire, to help others.