WORK has begun on a new police memorial to remember officers in a North-East town.

Specialist Darlington stonemason, David France, has started work on the £20,000 memorial which will be in place at the town’s police station to remember lost police officers and staff.

The memorial is to be funded entirely by donations, and Mark Gatiss, who has written and acted in Doctor Who, Sherlock and The League of Gentleman and starred in Game of Thrones, will host an event at Darlington Civic Theatre in October in aid of the campaign.

The event will be compared by editor of The Northern Echo, Peter Barron, and will feature two question and answer sessions – one with questions from the audience and one with pre-submitted questions which can be sent to The Northern Echo.

Audience members will also have the chance to win a mountain bike donated by Sherwoods Vauxhall dealership, and will feature Dr Who memorabilia donated by 4th Element Diving and Who-Ray, in Stockton.

So far, officers have raised £3,500 for the cause through a number of fundraising events and a sponsored bike ride from London to Paris

A sportsmans evening will also be held at The Northern Echo Arena on Friday, September 25 to raise money for the cause.

Chief Superintendent Graham Hall said: “It is really encouraging to see the support and would appreciate any further help that the public of Darlington can give to this worthwhile cause.”

An Evening with Mark Gatiss will take place on Saturday, October 3 and tickets are £18 and £17.

To book call Darlington Civic Theatre on 01325-486555 or visit darlingtoncivic.co.uk

To donate to the fund visit gofundme.com/darlingtonpolice

To send a question for Mr Gatiss email hannah.bryan@nne.co.uk