A PROJECT to install a memorial for fallen soldiers needs community funding to get it off the ground.

The memorial, which will remember those affected by past and modern-day conflicts, hopes to be installed on Cockerton Green but needs backing from the public.

Cockerton Community and Business Group (CCBG), who are running the project, are looking for donations from the public and local businesses to make the idea a reality.

The group is formed of residents and local businesses within Cockerton who aim to engage locals and promote the area through running projects and community events.

Its most recent project will see a defibrillator installed on Cockerton Green within the next week.

Kay Sandham, of Cockerton Community and Business Group (CCBG), said the monument will be an important feature for the community.

She said: “We have been going about two and a half years. We organised the Christmas tree which is now an annual thing.

“The next big project is a monument to commemorate the fallen in all conflicts.

“We don’t have anything on show, there’s nothing outside which remembers the fallen and I think it would mean a lot to many people in the community."

CCBG have had consultation from a local stonemason to construct the monument and are currently at the planning permission stage.

Ms Sandham said: “We now need to start raising funds to pay for the construction of the monument, planning permission and all the things that come with getting this off the ground.

“We’re trying to kick this off and let the local community know what we’re doing. It would be a good thing to get the public behind us."

The monument will not have the names of fallen soldiers but will be a generic stone to remember all those who have fallen in both world wars and in modern day conflicts.

Donation points have been set up in local businesses within Cockerton for those who wish to donate, including Aldersons and Sons Butchers.

Businesses involved in CCBG include Whitehouse Funeral Care Services, Co Op Food Stores, Co Op Funeral Care, Darlington Building Society, Aldersons and Sons Butchers, Sense of Style, and Cockerton Green Scouts.