Dreams of a new war memorial for Milton Regis are a step closer to reality.

The Milton Regis war memorial committee has chosen a design by sculptor Elliott Brotherton to replace the memorial in the grounds of Holy Trinity Church, in Green Porch Close, which was destroyed in the great storm of 1987.

The committee has £15,000 towards the sculpture, which will be made from Portland Stone, but it needs to raise a further £20,000 before the artist can be commissioned.

Cllr Gerry Lewin, chairman of the committee, said: “This will be a memorial for remembering those from Milton Regis just like the original war memorial was.

"Some of the plaques were saved and put on plinths in Central Avenue.

“They carry the names of those from Milton Regis who died during the First World War and they will be put on the new memorial.

“We also plan to research the names of those killed during the Second World War and include them on it too. We are also talking about Afghanistan and the possibility we will have to add further names as the years go on.

“Elliott Brotherton is the preferred artist and he appears to be very excited about it.

“We need to raise the funds but we hope to have it in place by next year.”

Mr Brotherton, from East Sussex, said: “I had a phone call last week saying the committee is keen on my design and I may be chosen to produce it but I’ve not had anything in writing yet to confirm it.

“I’m hoping if given the go-ahead and the fundraising goes well, to have it in place in time for Remembrance Day next year.

“My design has a similar shape base so it could go on top of the original but there is a possibility the it may have to be moved as we want it to be accessible to everyone including those in wheelchairs.

“I have tried to base it on the original design so it’s about 15ft in height but that could change as the design is finalised.

“I’ve worked on adding inscriptions on war memorials but never designed one before so this a first for me.

“It’s a great project and I feel honoured to do it. I’m very excited about it.”