Work to create a permanent memorial to commemorate servicemen from a Norfolk village who lost their lives in both world wars will soon get under way thanks to a funding boost.

The £34,000 project will see a lychgate memorial built at the entrance of All Saints Church in Chedgrave, near Loddon, with seating either side and the names of the soldiers killed inscribed on the front.

And that vision has now become a reality thanks to a £26,320 grant from WREN’s FCC Community Action Fund, which added to the money raised through donations, events and other grants, means work can now get under way.

Planning for the project started back in 2013, and Matt Hubbard, vice chairman of Chedgrave Parish Council has been leading the initiative.

He believes the memorial will make a poignant difference to people in the area, especially the descendants of the serviceman that still live locally.

Mr Hubbard said: “This project will provide a real boost to the people of Chedgrave. It’s fantastic that WREN has awarded us this money and we’re really looking forward to our lychgate memorial taking shape over the next six months.

“It has been a real challenge to get to this point and Chedgrave Parish Council are delighted that work can soon begin with the view to dedicating the memorial before the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War on November 11, 2018.”

The project, which was approved by South Norfolk Council’s planning committee in 2015, suffered a setback last year after an application for funding was declined.

However councillors vowed to continue with the project and explore other options.

The memorial will be built in keeping with materials used at All Saints Church, with the work carried out by local tradesmen.

And Mr Hubbard is hopeful work can start in January, with the memorial completed by the summer in time for the planned dedication ceremony.

Ben Walker, WREN’s grant manager for Norfolk, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Chedgrave Lychgate Memorial project and pleased our funding will create fitting memorial to honour the local servicemen and provide a focal point within the village.”

One of the soldiers whose name will appear on the memorial will be specifically remembered in prayer during the Remembrance Service held at Hardley Church on Sunday. Pte James John Fuller died on November 11, 1917, and Mr Hubbard will be laying a wreath on behalf of the council at the service.