A COMMUNITY group met for their first working party of the year.

The Friends of Darwen Cemetery were up bright and early on Saturday to start work on a new cemetery-based World War One memorial.

Group chair Cllr John East said the structure will serve as a reminder of Blackburn and Darwen's contribution to the war.

He said: "It was great to get our first working party of the year underway.

"We began work on a structure to commemorate World War One.

"It will consist of marble tablets that will celebrate Blackburn's contribution to World War One.

"The tablets will show the number of casualties and survivors and will include pictures to represent every aspect of the war, such as trench warfare and the medical side of things.

"We hope to have it completed before summer.

"The cost of the memorial has been covered by local charities, agencies and businesses."

Cllr East said anyone who would like to be involved with the restoration of the ceremony is welcome to join the Friends of Darwen Cemetery working parties.

They will take place every second weekend and will run from 10am until 1pm.

He said: "I encourage any individuals or groups to come and help us with the restoration of the cemetery.

"It's going to be a long drag to get it back into good condition so any help would be welcome."