Hundreds of Devon servicemen killed during World War II are finally to have their names honoured.

A plaque is being put up at Torquay's war memorial to coincide with Sunday's Remembrance Day ceremony.

Until now, only names from World War I have been listed on the war memorial on the town's seafront.

But now 400 names from World War II are being placed on the monument after a huge amount of research by local historian and ex-serviceman John Pike.

John Pike researched the names of the war-dead

With the help of a group of fellow former service personnel, he has gathered together as many names as possible.

They have now been engraved on three new bronze plaques.

Edna White, who helped in the search for names, said the town should be ashamed it had taken so long to recognise its war-dead.

She said: "The names could have been collected straight after the war.

"Admittedly there was so much to do then, but it has taken a long time."

'Surprising' oversight

Major Jerry Yeoman, of the Royal British Legion, said it was an unusual oversight.

"I know a large number of ex-servicemen were very surprised by this.

"They have attended parades in Torquay through the years and never realised the names weren't there."

It is hoped another plaque will be unveiled next year honouring those who lost their lives in Korea, the Falklands and the Gulf War.