13243/1AN American veterans' group has awarded Sherston parish councillor Cilla Liddington a medal for her work remembering those who died in the Second World War.

Coun Liddington has been raising money for a new war memorial at the lychgate at Sherston church for villagers who died in the Second World War and in Northern Ireland.

The US troops of 626 Platoon of Engineers stayed in Sherston from February 1944 until June 1944 to train and prepare for D-Day.

News of Coun Liddington's appeal travelled to the regiment's association in America, which donated money toward the memorial.

And last week the association awarded Coun Liddington a medal.

She said: "I was so pleased with it, it means a great deal to me. I think it was for keeping the memory of the men over here alive.

"It is wonderful, these people sent $150 towards our memorial fund and they were only here for four months 60 years ago."

Coun Liddington also received two mementos of Nazi Germany; an iron statue of an eagle over the swastika and an enamelled medal for the women of the Reich who produced babies cared for the by the state.

They will be used at a special exhibition at Sherston Boules and Festival Week in July.

The memorial appeal is still £1,500 short of the £5,000 target.

To donate money or help with fundraising contact Coun Liddington on (01666) 840128.