VETERANS who lost their lives at war are set to be remembered with a new war memorial in a County Durham town.

At present Newton Aycliffe's focus for Remembrance Sunday commemorations is a flagpole at the town's St Clare's Church.

The pole bears a plaque honouring the Aycliffe Angels, women who worked in a local munitions factory during the Second World War.

But community leaders say a more substantial memorial should be put in place to commemorate all those who lost their lives in service.

Syd Howarth, from the Rotary Club of Newton Aycliffe which is leading the appeal, said: "At the moment we gather at the flagpole on the closest Sunday to November 11.

"But we really think that all those people who sacrificed their lives deserves something better."

Mr Howarth said the project already has the backing of the church and several local business have made substantial contributions.

He said: "We are hoping to have the memorial in place by 2008 ready for Remembrance Sunday that year.

"It was after the war in 1947 when Aycliffe was created which is probably why it doesn't have a proper war memorial.

"But there are still conflicts going on today and we want a relatively modern memorial to remember veterans of all wars.

Newly elected MP for Sedgefield, Phil Wilson, has added his support to the appeal.

"Aycliffe is a new town but everyone in it has been effected in some way by war.

"We should never forget those people who gave their lives so that we can enjoy the freedom we have today."

A competition is running to design the memorial with categories for junior school, senior school and adults. Entries should be posted to The Rectory, St Clare's, St Cuthbert's Way, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 5NT.

As part of the fundraising appeal the Rotary Club and 102 Battalion REME, Aycliffe, are holding a cocktail party on August 24, at 7pm, on the Great Aycliffe Show ground, School Aycliffe Lane.

Tickets, priced 10, are available by calling 01325-300212.