THE official launch of the bid for Lottery cash to commemorate the contribution of Darwen’s soldiers of the First World War will take place tomorrow.

The blueprint for a grave trail and an ambitious mock trench in the town’s cemetery will be revealed at special exhibition and public consultation.

It will be opened at 3pm by Friends of Darwen Cemetery president Colonel Steve Davies and will run for a month at the town’s library.

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The Darrener, born at 13 Willow Street and later commanding officer of 1st Battalion, The Queen’s Lancashire Regiment, wants as many townspeople as possible to attend to boost the chances of winning £100,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund towards the project.

The scheme’s centrepiece will be a large granite mock trench, complete with firing step which can be used as a bench for quiet reflection, overlooking the town.

The sides of the mock trench will have granite plaques to commemorate individual soldiers. Schools and community groups will use the mock trench as an outdoor activity and learning space.

Col Davies, 55, said: “This is the blueprint for our memorial but we want as many people as possible to come and contribute their views so we can fine-tune it. We want to use this as the springboard for improving the cemetery and getting people involved.

“We have had a number of discussions with the Heritage Lottery Fund about this and we want to give them evidence of public support. We hope to be able to start work this summer.”

John East, chairman of the friends, said: “We will be proud to submit this bid after two years’ hard work. It will be a fitting tribute to the men and women of Darwen who served their town and country.”

Darwen Cemetery contain 98 war graves, including 70 from the 1914-1918 conflict.