Lancashire backs There But Not There WWI remembrance

The new project, centred around 6ft tall Tommies placed around the country, aims to raise in excess of £15m to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War.

The Tommies will encourage locals to buy their own 10-inch versions to remember their relatives who fell 100 years ago.

High Sheriff of Lancashire, Anthony Attard, is spearheading a committee formed of local business, ecclesiastical and civic leaders to drive donations and local community support. Businesses have the opportunity to purchase their own six-foot Tommy figures with proceeds going to related charities.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Lord Shuttleworth said: “The There But Not There campaign is a hugely worthwhile cause, honouring those men – local and afar - who made the ultimate sacrifice and raising money for those in need today. We want the whole community to show their support for the charity and encourage businesses to get on board during this important year of commemoration.”

The silhouettes, different in shape to the standing Tommy, are designed to fit into seated spaces and were inspired by an art installation created by Martin Barraud at Penshurst Church in Kent in 2016. The installation at Penshurst Church included 51 silhouettes, one for each name on the local Penshurst war memorial.

There But Not There Patron, Lord Dannatt said: "Our hope is that more regional organisations across the UK will follow in the footsteps of Lancashire County Council. Their commitment to the There But Not There campaign is vital in securing support and raising funds across the county. "We would encourage all Lancastrians to visit the local Tommy installations, galvanise support in their community groups to buy silhouettes and purchase their own smaller Tommies to remember their fallen relatives."