A WAR memorial group has been celebrating after it raised enough money for a new statue to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War in a matter of days.

Friends of Greengates Cenotaph appealed to the public to try and raise £750 for a perspex ‘Tommy’ statue, to mark 100 years since the end of the war.

The group was inundated with donations, including a £750 from a local funeral directors covering the entire cost of one statue, meaning the group can now install a pair of Tommies at the memorial, at the junction of Harrogate Road and New Line.

Greengates Primary School and the Idle and Greengates branch of the Rotary Club have also pledged support to the campaign.

The £750 donation came from Edwin Pounds and Sons, of New Line, and a cheque was handed over to the Friends of group by company director Simon Broome.

Mr Broome said it was the sense of community which inspired him to donate the money.

He said: “It is our local cenotaph, so I just thought we should give some money towards it.

“Since the Friends of group have got involved the cenotaph looks a lot better, and if they can get two statues it will look rather well.

“I think the First World War is something we should all remember. We cannot replace those fallen men, and they should be appreciated for what they did.”

The six-foot tall aluminium statues are produced by the charity Remembrance, using Royal British Legion factories employing ex-military personnel.

Marian Cannon, treasurer of Friends of Greengates Cenotaph, said the group has been “delighted” by the feedback from the local community.

She said: “Mike Frazer our secretary came across the statues, and we all agreed we would like to put one on each side of the cenotaph.

“Edwin Pounds rang straight away and said they wanted to buy one so we thought we would carry on and try to get two.

“They look very nice, they would be stood as if they are looking after the monument.

“We are looking to order them very soon so they will be here and installed in time for Remembrance Sunday.

“It is 100 years since the end of the war and these symbolise that. We also have crocuses in the garden donated by the Rotary Club which mark the efforts to eradicate polio.

“When the Tommies are installed we will install a plaque recognising all those who have donated.”

To donate, call Marian Cannon on 01274 614094.