VETERANS raising funds to pay for a memorial to the men who served in the Durham Light Infantry in the heart of the regiment's home county have been given a welcome cash boost.

A statue immortalising the sacrifices of the DLI will be placed in front of the Town Hall in the Market Place, in Durham City.

Members of The Durham and District Ladies Auxiliary, having learned of the appeal decided that the project deserved their wholehearted support.

They set about raising funds and have presented a £500 cheque to appeal co-ordinator Col Arthur Charlton.

Ladies Auxiliary chairman Wendy Blackmore said; “We all recognise the importance of the regiment to the city and the county and are pleased that Durham County Council has agreed to placing the statue in a fitting central location."

Several members of the group, who were present at the handover, had family members who served with the DLI.

Col Charlton said “ A contribution like this is marvellous and a real boost to the appeal.

“The Ladies Auxiliary help local worthy causes and for them to give support such as this is excellent and really appreciated”.

The statue will be unveiled at a parade and service in the Market Place on Sunday, September 14.

Following the event in the Market Place, there will be a service in Durham Cathedral marking both the annual reunion of the Durham Light Infantry and the outbreak of the First World War.

The appeal still has to raise about £25,000 for the statue.

Anyone wishing to donate to the appeal should send their contribution to the DLI Memorial Appeal, The Rifles Durham Office, Elvet Waterside, Durham, DH1 3BW. Cheques should be made payable to Regimental & Chattels Charity of the former DLI.