CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating after being given the go-ahead to build a £40,000 war memorial in Handforth.

Planning permission was granted for the erection of the 14ft memorial on the grass verge off Wilmslow Road on the corner of Grange Way.

The approval was a triumph for eight trustees of the Handforth Community War Memorial Foundation (HCWMF) which was established in November 2014 to honour the contribution made in various wars by townspeople.

Once complete, the memorial will include a 26ft York stone path, with a square paved area at the base. It will be contained either by chains hung between stone bollards or a low, decorative metal fence.

Chairman of the foundation, Anthony Harrison said: "This has been an amazing community effort which has included donations from private individuals and fundraising.

"The new memorial will act as a focal point in Handforth and to the people of Handforth will be an inspiration

of what the community can do if we work together."

According to Mr Harrison, the foundation works will be done free of charge and as a act of good will by civil engineers Carillion. The foundation hope to have the new memorial ready for November's Remembrance Day commemorations.

The idea for the memorial came after the death of Lance Corporal Jamie Webb, 24, who died in Afghanistan in March 2013. The following month hundreds of people lined the route to pay tribute to the fallen soldier's contribution to the Handforth community.

Only last month, three members of the Mercian Regiment ran the Chester Half Marathon last month, in memory of Lance Corporal Webb. They were joined by local residents Lee Holt and Mr Harrison to raise funds for the new memorial. The fundraising effort also involved a variety of community groups and organisations including 23 Wilmslow ACF Detachment.

During the consultation period members of the public paid their own tributes in support of the construction.

Luke Webb, the brother of soldier Jamie said: "It is perfect for Handforth and will not only bring the community together during its construction but also for decades to come.

"It will also help residents remember the sacrifices that my brother and many other have made for our country and its freedoms. It will be a true way to rightfully commemorate Handforth's fallen heroes."

Anne Shepherd said: "I feel that this would be a fitting tribute to the people of Handforth who lost their lives in the service of our country."

Aileen Yarnall said: "What an excellent way to honour our fallen, a great opportunity to bring the community together and the ideal location in the village."

The foundation which will continue to function will take over responsibility for the memorial's post installation care and maintenance.