A NEW memorial to honour men from Upper Gornal who fought in the First World War is being installed in time for Remembrance Sunday.

The memorial will be in place at the Arcade Shopping Precinct over the next week ahead of the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I next month.

It consists of a new memorial stone, a silhouette of a soldier figure as part of the 'There But Not There' campaign and a flag pole to fly the Union Jack all year round.

Councillors Adam Aston and Keiran Casey started the campaign to get a new public war memorial installed.

They classed it as a 'defining moment for the community' and said they were delighted one that will allow them to pay their respects publicly on Remembrance Sunday to all those who gave their lives.

Councillor Casey said: "We started this campaign working with local residents and the Tenants and Residents Association as there wasn't a public war memorial in Upper Gornal.

"Following on from the success with the memorial in Woodsetton, we set out to work with local residents to draw up a plan and see what funding was needed.

"We secured the funding for the stone and the memorial pad through the TRA and the Council Community Forum and working with local businesses in Upper Gornal like McDonald's who have kindly donated the 'Tommy' solider figure that will be installed next to the memorial stone."

Councillor Adam Aston added: "We are extremely grateful to everyone that has helped us with this important community project - the local TRA, Bob Beckett and his team at Upper Gornal McDonald's and to local residents that have supported us.

"We are really glad that this is in place for Remembrance Sunday this year and we are working with St Peter's Church and Upper Gornal Methodist Church to arrange a service on Remembrance Sunday which will take place at the new memorial.

"We hope as many residents as possible can join us as we mark 100 years since the end of the First World War and pay tribute to all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom."