A MILLENNIUM tribute to war victims will be unveiled in Keighley later this month.

The Yorkshire stone plaque is being installed on the Town Hall Square cenotaph to commemorate all servicemen and women who have lost their lives this century.

The plaque is being provided following a successful campaign by Keighley Royal British Legion, with the Duke of Wellington Association, to raise the £4,000 needed. Cash was coined in through events and donations.

The memorial plaque will be unveiled in a special ceremony, to be attended by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, councillors Harry and Christine Mason, on January 23.

A parade will assemble in Russell Street, at 11.40am, and will make its way to Keighley Shared Parish Church for a noon service.

There will then be a ceremony at the cenotaph at 1pm.

Among those taking part will be war veterans and members of uniformed youth organisations.

A Legion spokesman said: "We were very pleased with the response to our fundraising appeal and we are very grateful to everyone who gave their support.

"We are delighted that it has reached fruition."

Keighley funeral director David Gallagher has been chosen to supply the plaque.

The Yorkshire stone was quarried locally and was masoned by Wright & Sons, of Bradford, of whom Mr Gallagher is an agent.

The plaque's lettering has been cut in traditional "V" style.

Mr Gallagher has also arranged for a smaller plaque to be cut in solid oak, which will be presented as a memento to the Royal British Legion and Duke of Wellington Regiment on the day of the unveiling.

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