A memorial to the 255 UK servicemen who lost their lives in the Falklands War is nearing completion.

The memorial, at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, near Lichfield, is set to be dedicated on May 20, with 600 veterans present. The work was initiated by the South Atlantic Medal Association.

The site has been designed to resemble the rugged Falklands landscape, with echoes of the wall in San Carlos Cemetery.

An area for contemplation has been created, incorporating a curved wall of rugged stone facing a rock from the Falklands and two benches. There will also be a number of plaques, including one with the names of three women civilians killed in a friendly-fire incident.

Kate Habberley of the Royal British Legion said: “The South Atlantic Medal Association has organised the whole building of the memorial. In April a single candle will be lit in the arboretum’s Millennium Chapel and it will be left for the 74 days of the conflict.”

The conflict began on April 2, 1982, and ended in Argentine surrender on June 14.

An azalea garden has already been started with Azalea antelope. This is dedicated to all who served on HMS Antelope, sunk during the conflict with the loss of two lives.

The National Arboretum is the nation’s year-round centre of remembrance and part of the Royal British Legion family of charities. It is set in 150 acres of woodland park and has more than 200 memorials.

The Armed Forces Memorial contains the names of all who have been killed on duty or as a result of terrorism since the end of the Second World War.