Fundraisers are being urged to “buy a brick” to raise money for a new war memorial in Colne Engaine.

The village’s existing memorial, a wooden beam inscribed with name, is hidden away in the graveyard of St Andrew’s Church but plans are now in place to replace it with a new one.

Fundraising is well underway and organisers hope that the Buy A Brick campaign will get them closer to their target, which is estimated at £25,000.

Contributors to the Buy A Brick campaign can insert a personal message into their brick, which will then be built into the new memorial.

Gareth Jones, a member of the Colne Engaine War Memorial Committee said: “The Buy a Brick is one of our major fundraising efforts. We hope it will capture the imagination of a lot of people who can make their brick into a personal time capsule with their message."

It is hoped the new memorial will be finished and dedicated to coincide with the 100th Anniversary of the First World War and the 2014 remembrance services.

Bricks can be purchased for £5 each from The Village Shop, The Five Bells, call Spike Townsend on 07782 105287 or email CEWM.project@gmail.com More details available on facebook.com/ColneEngaineWarMemorialProject