UNSUNG heroes from the Second World War have been honoured at an emotional ceremony in Essex.

UNSUNG heroes from the Second World War have been honoured at an emotional ceremony in Essex.

Thirty members of the Women's Land Army, who live in Tendring, had their work acknowledged by the presentation of new badges which were recently commissioned by the Government.

The ceremony held by Tendring District Council was the first of its kind to be staged in Essex and aimed to honour the Land Girls who missed out on official recognition until now.

The council organised 11 badges for women who had not previously applied for one and also arranged for 19 others who already had their badges in the post to be presented formally by the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Lord Petre.

Council leader David Lines and chief executive John Hawkins were among the dignitaries at the ceremony at Clacton Town Hall yesterday.

Roy Smith, chairman of Tendring District Council, said: “I was absolutely delighted to see so many of the Women's Land Army come together for this presentation.

“It was a privilege to be involved in this event which gave us all an opportunity to thanks these ladies for their efforts during the war.

“They thoroughly deserved this long overdue recognition.”

The Women's Land Army was formed at the outbreak of the war to work on the land and free up men to go to war. By 1943 there were around 80,000 members across the whole country.