THE work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission is the subject of this year's first free public lecture held at the University of Bath in Swindon.

Ian Small, from the commission, will talk about its history and on-going work at 6.15pm on January 20.

Since its creation in 1917, the commission has brought comfort to comrades and relatives of the 1,700,000 Commonwealth servicemen and women it commemorates.

Images of its immaculately maintained cemeteries and memorials are familiar to many.

Currently, the commission operates in 150 countries, caring for war graves in more than 25,000 locations.

The talk will be held in the main hall of the Oakfield campus. Admission is free and spaces are limited.

Tickets are available from Margaret Isaacs on 01793 328700.