VETERANS from two world wars are proud to make the solemn remembrance day march through Blackwood each year to remember their fallen comrades.

Dozens turn out to march through the town centre to the war memorial on Pentwyn Hill - in memory of those who lost their lives fighting for their country.

But most of the former servicemen are now in their 80s or even older and are finding it increasingly difficult to tackle the steep hill and steps leading to the memorial.

Now members of the Royal British Legion in Blackwood are asking for a second, new cenotaph to be built in the town centre, that would be easily accessible to everyone. Reg Nash, chairman of the Blackwood branch, said: "Some of the veterans are failing in health now and are finding it hard to walk up that hill.

"I am lucky and can still climb it but there are many who cannot." It is estimated the cost of the new memorial, at around half the height of the Pentwyn Hill structure, would be around £75,000 and would be situated in the area next to the redevelopment scheme in the north of the town.

Caerphilly council's environmental committee is due to discuss the proposal at a meeting today and a report suggests undertaking a consultation exercise with residents and relevant organisations.

Blackwood councillor Darren Jones, cabinet member with responsibility for war memorials, said he supported the call for a new memorial.

"We want to get the community behind this, as well as the British Legion, so we can provide a cherished facility that will be at least as good in quality as the present memorial," he said.

"It will provide a place to remember the brave men and women who fought to protect the freedom and lives of people in this area. I attend the remembrance service in Blackwood each year and have seen the problem as the years go by - some people are now having trouble with getting up the steps and the hill."