A FLORAL tribute for soldiers who died in the Afghanistan conflict is to be staged near the entrance of the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Four hundred and fifty-six military personnel gave their lives in the conflict and post mortem examinations were carried out at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Veterans, including members of the Royal British Legion, gathered in Headley Way to form a guard of honour near the entrance of the Headington hospital to pay tribute when the soldiers were repatriated.

Now a team of veterans will plant 456 daffodil bulbs at the entrance to the hospital, known as ‘The Final Turn’ , starting on Friday.

John Walker, 76, served with the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards in the 1960s and 1970s, and lives in Eynsham Road, Botley.

He said: “The repatriations started in 2008 and the last ones took place in October last year.

“We wanted to do this so the bravery of these soldiers will never be forgotten.

“People will see the daffodils each year and it will be a permanent memorial.

“The hospital trust has been very helpful to make sure this tribute could take place.”

Brian Crossin, 81, a veteran of the RAF Police, who lives in Didcot, said the bulbs would be planted during a number of visits.

Hospital trust spokesman Roy Probert confirmed the planting sessions would start on Friday morning.