A group is confident that a new patron will boost their fundraising efforts.

The Colne Engaine War Memorial Project is aiming to raise £25,000 to build a lasting and accessible memorial to remember all those from the village who died in both world wars.

The group is very pleased that General the Lord Walker of Aldringham has agreed to be their patron.

Michael Walker joined the Army in 1966 and was promoted to chief of the general staff, professional head of the British Army, in 2000 before becoming the chief of the defence staff, head of all British Armed Forces, in 2003, a post he held for three years.