Stars of TV soap Emmerdale today backed a campaign for a memorial to Bradford's Victoria Cross heroes.

The soaps big guns Malandra Burrows, Paul Loughran, and Chris Chittell, got fell in for the Bradford Parachute Regiment Association's appeal.

PRA member James Walsh is trying to raise £2,000 for a headstone naming Bradford's seven VC heroes to be erected in front of the city's war memorial in Morley Street on June 26 this year - the date when traditionally the VC is awarded.

Malandra, who plays Kathy Glover, said: "We think it's a great idea and that's why we've given it our support. We're even considering coming on the parade on June 26 because it's on a Saturday so we won't be at work."

Mr Walsh has been forced to put up £2,000 of his own money as a guarantee if the association cannot raise enough cash to pay for the tribute.

He said: "We're still a long way off getting enough for the headstone but the ceremony will go ahead come hell or highwater. The Royal Engineers' band at the Belle Vue Barracks will be laying down their colours at Bradford Cathedral on June 26 and will then march to the memorial with fixed bayonets.

"We'll meet them there and after the stone is unveiled we'll all march to Centenary Square."

Former Falklands veteran David Brown who is the northern region secretary of the South Atlantic Medals Association 82 has also supported the campaign.

He said: "I've been in touch with the wife of Colonel 'H' Jones and the mother of Sergeant Ian Mackay, who both died in the Falklands and were the last to be awarded the VC. All being well they'll be coming to the unveiling as well."

Anyone who would like to make a donation should send a cheque made payable to the VC Memorial Fund to James Walsh, 14 Moorside Close, Eccleshill.

Alternatively donations can be made to the VC Memorial Fund, account number 601988607, at the Skipton Building Society in Market Street, Bradford.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.