VETERANS campaigning to create a memorial to the men who served in the Durham Light Infantry in their home county are hoping an auction of regimental silver tomorrow (Wednesday, March 27) will help them reach their fundraising target.

The ornate silverware and cutlery, which once the graced tables of the DLI officers' mess, will be auctioned at Anderson and Garland, in Newcastle, from 10am.

The silver, which includes punchbowls, meat skewers, posy vases, knives and forks, rose bowls and salvers, is expected to realise between £40,000 and £60,000.

An appeal for a DLI memorial in Durham City, backed by The Northern Echo, has reached about £4,000 towards a target of £68,000.

Fundraising co-ordinator Colonel Arthur Charlton said: “If what we are hoping for is realised then we won’t be far short of the target, bearing in mind we also have the support of the Darlington Building Society and have raised £4,000 so far.”

Julian Thomson, from Anderson and Garland, said: “We have had a lot of interest from veterans and from dealers and collectors as well. I am hoping for a good day with good healthy bidding.”

There are 132 lots valued at from £30 to several thousand pounds.

Those who cannot attend the auction can bid live online (with a three per cent surcharge) at www.the-saleroom.com.

To donate to the appeal, write to The DLI Memorial Appeal, The Rifles Office, Elvet Waterside, Durham, DH1 3BW, with cheques made out to the Regimental and Chattels Charity of the former DLI.