A NORTH East village is a step closer to installing their first war memorial after a care home fundraiser.
A tombola held by Pelton Grange Care Home, in Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, raised £130 for the Pelton Parish Council’s war memorial fund.
The village is planning to erect a memorial in the grounds of the Holy Trinity Church in memory of those killed in conflicts since the First World War.
Pelton Parish Councillors Stephen Hann and Miriam Lonsdale-Cope were among the guests at the home’s tombola, which was held at the Co-Op on Front Street.
Cllr Lonsdale-Cope, whose grandfather was a stretcher bearer killed at the Battle of the Somme in 1916, said: “Thanks to our friends in the local area for all of their help and especially to residents, staff and family members at Pelton Grange, whose help is really appreciated.”
Alongside selling tickets, carers and support staff donated their own money to the project.
Christopher Hogan-Hind, home manager at Pelton Grange Care Home, said: “After the Parish Council canvassed local businesses for support to fund the memorial, we got on board straight away.
“It’s been a privilege to support the project. It’s so important that we commemorate those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Many of our residents remember the loss of family members in the world wars and it is a comfort to them knowing their community is remembering them.”
The Parish Council has been fundraising since 2018 and has so far raised over £15,000 towards the target of £25,000.