A Renfrewshire councillor has praised the "vital role" animals have played in military conflicts in the lead-up to Remembrance Sunday.

Councillor Gillian Graham made the comment as she revealed her "honour" of laying a poppy wreath at the Kilbarchan War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday, November 10.

She said: "In doing so I remember and commemorate the brave members of the military services who lost their lives in war, fighting for our freedom and democracy.

"I also think of those the servicemen and women who continue to serve, and those injured.”

The councillor extended her respect to the animals who have played an equally important role in military conflicts, highlighting the trauma and loss of life experienced by these animals.

She said: “This year I also want to pay respect to the vital role animals have played and continue to play in military conflicts, and the fondness felt towards them by our brave servicemen and women.

"We tend to forget the price paid by animals in times of war, both in terms of trauma and loss of life.

"The countless horses, dogs and carrier pigeons which have supported our troops.

"We remember the horses in WWI and WWII as part of the cavalry, transporting supplies, or pulling ambulances.

"The dogs which were sent into no man’s land to comfort the dying, and more recently sniffing out safe routes through booby trapped buildings.”

She plans to attend Remembrance Sunday with her dogs, to pay her respects to servicemen and women, and military animals, and to remember the fallen.