Many different people are remembered at the site

Permission has been granted for 110 trees to be planted at the 150-acre National Memorial Arboretum site in Alrewas, near Lichfield, Staffordshire.

Details of the design are still being finalised, but the black poplar trees to be planted on the plot could take the form of the letters "S" and "F".

Arboretum director David Childs said: "Tributes already exist here to most of the units, so they're fairly late.

Enemy lines

"But this is a very significant plot of 110 huge trees. We're delighted to have the special forces on board."

The memorial will also honour special forces troops from outside the UK.

Mike Colton, the founder and secretary of the Hereford-based Allied Special Forces Association, said the decision was "absolutely brilliant" and would be welcomed by his members.

He added that the 110 trees represent the number of special forces units, many of whom came from Commonwealth countries and gave their lives for the Allies in World War II.

Referring to the current conflict in Iraq, Mr Colton said: "All of our boys are out there operating behind enemy lines.

"We're trying to do something to remember them all."