A FIRST World War memorial in Darwen, which was almost moved to Staffordshire, has been taken to a temporary home.

The monument, bearing the names of 15 Darwen soldiers who died in battle, has been taken to Whitehall Park in the town until council bosses decide where it should be erected permanently.

Troops from the 75 Engineer Regiment and soldiers on an exchange trip from British Columbia, Canada, carried out the operation using a 16-tonne crane.

The 15-ft high stone memorial at Park Road Methodist Church was due to be taken to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire until councillors stepped in.

The Engineer Regiment has offered its services to move the memorial when a final home is found.