A GARDEN of reflection for the families of soldiers serving in Afghanistan was officially opened on Sunday.

The green space in Cavalry Crescent, Hounslow, just a stone's throw from Hounslow Cavalry Barracks, offers Army families a quiet spot to think about their loved ones hundreds of miles away.

The trees are adorned with yellow ribbons, signifying the eagerly-awaited return of troops, and children have also attached loving messages to their absent parents written on yellow cards.

The garden was jointly created by the Army Welfare Service, environmental charity Groundwork Thames Valley and families themselves over the last three months.

Hounslow Council leader Jagdish Sharma officially opened the site, for which he has donated a bench, on Sunday  (June 10).

Sue Bazan, of the Army Welfare Service, said: "It's a peaceful space for Army families to sit and reflect on what's happening at this time in their lives. It's something the families said they wanted and it's a wonderful space."

The First Battalion Welsh Guards, based at the barracks, began a tour of duty in Afghanistan in March.

Last month, Lance Corporal Lee Thomas Davies, of the battalion, was shot dead by members of the Afghan Police Force.

Ms Bazan said flowers had been placed at the garden in his memory and it had yet to be decided whether to create a permanent memorial to fallen soldiers.

After the garden's opening, families - including grandparents, some of whom had travelled hundreds of miles from Wales - enjoyed a belated jubilee party at the barracks.

About 300 guests enjoyed entertainment including fairground rides, arts and crafts, and sumo wrestling.