The Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK will be among the faith groups represented at the National Remebrance Service for the first time this year. 

The service is held each year at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London, on the Sunday nearest to 11 November at 11am in memory of British and Commonwealth servicemen and women who died in the two World Wars and later conflicts.

At present, 15 faith and belief denominations are represented at the service, including the main faith groups and church denominations in Britain. 

Faith Minister Lord Bourne accouned on Wednesday that seven more faith and belief groups are to be permanently represented at the service from this year. 

In addition to Copts, there will also be representation from Jains, Zoroastrians, Mormons, Baha'ís, spiritualists and humanists.

Lord Bourne said the additions would make the National Service of Remembrance more reflective of modern  multi-faith Britain.

'One hundred years ago, men and women of all faiths and beliefs made huge sacrifices for our freedom in the First World War,' he said.

'It's absolutely right as a modern, multi-faith society that we step up our efforts to honour those people of other faiths for their contribution. It's because of their bravery and selflessness that we are afforded the privileges and luxuries we enjoy today. Their sacrifices should be honoured through the ages.' 

Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London welcomed the decision to include Copts in the service. 

'While Christianity focuses on peace and reconciliation, war has been a regrettable part of the reality of our world, as a result of which many have paid the ultimate price to keep us safe,' he said.

'It is for this reason that we honour their memory and pray for their families and colleagues who still mourn their loss, while also praying for those who follow their selfless example today.

'While we remember our fallen heroes who have paid the ultimate price to keep us safe, we give thanks that this year's Centenary anniversary, marking the end of the First World War, is a reassuring reminder that even the ugliness and destruction of war has an end.'