A former Para said he was "staggered" by the response from Telegraph & Argus readers to an appeal to honour Bradford's Victoria Cross heroes.

Jim Walsh and members of the Bradford Parachute Regiment Association are campaigning to put a headstone next to the city's war memorial in Morley Street on June 26.

TV soap stars Malandra Burrows, Paul Longhran and Chris Chittell from Emmerdale backed the appeal in a story which appeared in the T&A last week.

Mr Walsh has even put up £2,000 of his own money to cover the cost of the headstone to make sure the tribute is put up. He said: "The response to the Emmerdale appeal has been staggering and we're almost half-way there now. Hopefully people won't stop supporting us until we've gone all the way.

"It's nice when the people of Bradford react in such a way to honour those who were awarded the highest military accolade."

The provost of Bradford Cathedral, John Richardson, said he would be blessing the stone on June 26 which is when Victoria Crosses are traditionally awarded.

He said: "If people have given their life and energy for their city and their country then we should honour them.

"It will be saying thank you to the Victoria Cross heroes for the contribution they made to their country."

Anyone who would like to make a donation should send a cheque made payable to the VC memorial Fund to James Walsh, 14 Moorside Crescent, Eccleshill. Or donations can be made to the VC Memorial Fund, account number 601988607, at the Skipton Building Society in Market Street, Bradford.

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