AN appeal has been launched to track down the families of 15 Hollinfare soldiers who died during the First and Second World War.

The 15 men are all honoured with their names engraved on the Hollinfare War Memorial.

But with a project now underway to uplight the memorial at night, the 'Shine the Light' campaign group is seeking the backing of the soldiers' surviving family members.

The group already has the support of the families of Edward Atherton, Thomas Blundell and John Taylor, who died during the First World War, and William Cawley, who died during the Second World War.

Sharon Piggin, a member of the group which launched in November 2014, said: "We are actively searching for the relatives of the other 11 brave men whose names are engraved on the memorial.

"It's basically to see what they think and see if we have their support. We also have support from four of the neighbours who overlook the memorial."

The Shine the Light group, which has 11 members, wants to contact as many family members as possible before applying for planning permission.

They are also being assisted by historian Pete Thomas, co-author of A District At War and Two Towns Go To War.

The £6,000 project will see the memorial, next to the Grade II listed St Helen's Church, uplit at night with four LED lights at the corners to light the base.

Sharon, aged 58, from Glazebrook, added: "It's a special feature in the centre of the village and it'll just be nice to have it uplit so it can be seen at night. It's a beautiful monument.

"We are hoping that when the centenary is here in 2018 to commemorate the end of the First World War our memorial will be gently shining.

"It won't be like from something from Hollywood, it will be very respectful."

- If you can help track down the families of Ernest Aldridge, Edward Barker, Ernest Castrey, Joseph Davies, William Bowker Farrington, Thomas Harrison, Richard Partington, Stanley Rogerson, John Scott, Kenneth Edmonds and Raymond Stokes call Sharon on 07584 497183 or email sharon.piggin@btinternet.com