A CHURCH has set up a memorial to parishioners who died fighting in the Second World War to mark the 60th anniversary of the conflict's end.

A brass plaque containing the names of 11 men from the parish of St Cuthbert's Roman Catholic Church, in Chester-le-Street, was dedicated at a ceremony.

The plaque commemorates the sacrifice of sailors Robert McAvoy and Martin McCormack, soldiers Charles Burns, James Edwards and Robert Storey and airmen James Brennan, Kevin Brennan, Leo Lannigan, John McPhee - who won the Distinguished Flying Medal Malcolm Murray and Charles Telford.

The idea came from parishioner Gus Mulaney, who went to school with the dead men, and money was raised by the church's Phoenix Ladies group.

Phoenix Ladies chairwoman Val Brennan said: "It is well overdue. With it being the 60th anniversary of the end of the war, we thought it was time to have a memorial.''

The Borneo Band of the Durham Army Cadet Force will give a concert on Saturday, December 10, at 7.30pm, in the TA Centre, Picktree Lane, Chester-le-Street, to raise money towards the cost of the plaque.

Tickets cost £5, including pie and peas supper, and are available by calling 0191-388 5680 or 0191-388 5540.