A GROUP is offering free guided tours of war graves in St Woolos' Cemetery in Newport for War Graves Week.

War Graves Week is an initiative from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission that aims to educate people about World War heritage in their area.

Taking place from Saturday, May 21, to Tuesday, May 24,  Commonwealth War Graves Commission will take groups around St Woolos to share stories about the men and women buried there who died in the First World War and Second World War.

More than 275 casualties from the First and Second World Wars are buried at St Woolos' Cemetery.

The tours begin at 2pm and will start at the Cross of Sacrifice before moving on to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission area.

The guide will explain the different types of memorials and the fact that many graves are scattered apparently randomly throughout the cemetery.

The tour will also shed light on those who worked in key sectors such as healthcare, logistics, infrastructure and communications and is part of the Ordinary People, Extraordinary Times project.

Andrew Hemmings, an author and researcher, will be leading the tours.

Mr Hemmings said: "We’re delighted that the CWGC’s War Graves Week will be taking place in Newport.

"For us at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, remembrance and the sharing and caring for World War heritage is a daily duty.

"Behind every name on a war grave or memorial in Newport is a human story waiting to be discovered and War Graves Week is the perfect opportunity to do just that.

"I’d encourage everyone in Newport to join one of the tours to reconnect with their local history to learn about the courageous ordinary people from our community who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom."

To book a tour, click here.