THE Tonbridge New War Memorial Trust needs to raise another £11,000 by the end of June if the monument is to be built in time for a planned dedication service on Remembrance Day in November (Nigel Jarrett writes).

The scheme to erect a 11ft (3.58m) memorial at the southern end of the Chequers Lawn by the Watergate in the centre of the town won planning approval last November, and Tunbridge Wells stonemasons Burslem is waiting in the wings to take on the project.

Since the appeal was launched back in January, the trust has raised £19,000 via donations from private individuals, local businesses and charitable trusts, plus a £4,000 grant from Tonbridge and Malling council. But there is only limited time to make up the shortfall.

Trustee David Marwood said: "There is still a way to go. We need to instruct Burslems by the end of June and really need to have raised the target figure of £30,000 by then.

"We are appealing to local companies, charitable trusts, residents and friends of Tonbridge to make a donation, however small, to enable us to complete the project in time so we can have a dedication service at the site on November 11."

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Tonbridge New War Memorial Trust, should contact David Marwood on 01732 354303, or send a cheque payable to TNWM Trust to The Trustees, 36 The Ridgeway, Tonbridge, TN10 4NJ.