VOLUNTEERS are campaigning to have the names of around 100 Rossendale soldiers who died in the Second World War added to a war memorial.

The memorial in Stacksteads Peace Garden features the names of over 100 Valley people who died in the First World War.

But Stacksteads Countryside Park Group wants the names of fallen Second World War servicemen to be included on a separate plaque.

The group has raised £800 toward the cost of the plaque but needs another £1,000.

As well as holding a raffle next month, members are urging businesses to donate money.

Former Rossendale councillor Michael McShea, who is a member of Stacksteads Countryside Park Group, said the Peace Garden was originally built just after the First World War and was designed as place where injured soldiers could meet and relax.

However, it fell into disrepair in the 1960s and became strewn with litter in the 80s.

Since then the group has spent around £25,000 restoring the garden to its former glory.

Mr McShea said there was space below the plaque for another one to be installed.

He said: “All servicemen and women who gave their lives for their country should be remembered, that’s really important.

“It’s becoming more common for people to turn out for Remembrance Sunday, probably because of the war in Afghanistan. People are beginning to realise dying for your country is the ultimate sacrifice.”

Lancashire County Council, through Help Direct, has provided £500 for the new plaque.

The prize raffle will be drawn in November and the group hopes to have achieved its target by Christmas.

Historian Phil Broadhurst has also launched a fact-finding mission to unearth the names of local people who died in the war.

The new plaque could be installed next spring.

Donations to the cause can be made at Stacksteads Post Office, which is also selling raffle tickets.