A STAINED glass window paying tribute to thousands of York men and women who served in Afghanistan - including three who were killed in action - has been installed at a city-centre church.

Helen Whittaker and colleagues from Barley Studios in Dunnington have spent the last few days installing the window at All Saint's Church in Pavement.

It has been funded by the City of York Afghanistan Commemorative Appeal, which was launched by The Press in 2011 and raised more than £17,000 thanks to support from thousands of readers and other residents from across the city.

It serves as a particular memorial to Marine David Hart, Trooper Ashley David Smith and Lance Bombardier Matthew Hatton, who all paid the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan.

York Press:

Panels are put in place at All Saint's Church Pavement

David's mother Dilys, visiting the church yesterday as work neared completion, praised it, saying: "It's beautiful - so light and modern, and very personal to the three young men."

The main focus of the window design is the traditional symbol of peace in the form of a dove, which is also the symbol of the Holy Spirit.

Beneath the dove is a winding pavement, made from cobbles or sets; a reference to the Church of All Saint’s Pavement, which stands on one of the earliest paved streets in York.

The window also features a single White Rose of Yorkshire, surrounded by an array of poppies, the universal symbol of remembrance of the fallen.

It is set to be dedicated at a special service later this year.

The full window design is shown here:

York Press:

Relatives of the three servicemen who died last month joined Helen Whittaker, one of Britain's most renowned stained glass artists, to see the window taking shape at her studio in Dunnington.

York Press: Rev Jane Nattrass with family members and designer of the commemorative stained glass window being made for All Saints Pavement..(left) Laura Patterson,Sandra Smith,Sarah Hart,Chris Hart,Dilys Hart,Helen  Whittaker(designer),Jill Hatton,Phil Hatton,James