A town could get a new memorial wall to mark all those killed in two world wars.

As record crowds gathered around Sheerness cenotaph to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War on Remembrance Sunday, one man’s thoughts turned to what could be.

Peter MacDonald, 78, has been planning a new memorial to the Island’s Fallen which will include 1,000 additional names.

He and members of the Sheppey War Memorial Trust have succeeded in getting planning permission from Swale council for the 30-feet long tribute to be built behind the existing war memorial in Bridge Road.

But a lack of cash means work is yet to start. Mr MacDonald, a member of Minster parish council, said: “If it went out to tender it could cost £500,000 but I believe we could do it for £150,000.

"It is still a lot of money but Sheppey deserves something of quality. I believe Swale council has a moral responsibility to lead the way but I would also appreciate contributions from businesses.” His design includes a paved area of York stone with a slope to eliminate existing steps.

It has been a colossal task tracking down all the missing names.

The job has been coordinated by Peter West who runs the Eastchurch Aviation Museum. Mr MacDonald has gained listed building consent and has been in talks with Portland Stone and firms prepared to engrave the names.

He added: “This is not to praise war but to be a memorial to all those Sheppey families affected by it. My grandpa died in 1917 in the Great War.

"My mum was only seven but vividly remembered her mother screaming when she heard the news her husband had died.”

The existing memorial only includes names of those who lived or died in Sheerness. The new one will be Island-wide.

Cllr Cameron Beart (Con), speaking at Swale’s full council meeting on Wednesday, took up the fight.

He said: “In 2015, planning permission was passed for a wall with names of all the war dead. I would like the council to take these proposals forward.”

A Swale council spokesman said: “Our First World War fund has come to an end but there are heritage grants and members’ grants from councillors.”