THE Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded £9,900 to the Newport branch of the Royal Welsh Comrades Association for the 'Newport Remembers' project.

Awarded through HLF’s First World War: Then and Now programme, the project will focus on commemorating the centenary of May 8, 1915.

On this day, 85 servicemen from the Monmouthshire Regiment lost their lives at the battle of Frezenberg Ridge during the second battle of Ypres.

To mark the centenary, the project will enable local people in Newport to discover the significance of the event, the effects that the First World War had on the city, and the stories behind the men involved.

The information gathered will be digitally recorded and an online archive will be created to The archive will allow the public to contribute family stories and have a discussion about the effect hat the First World War had on the people of Newport.

Commenting on the award, Shelley McGuire, the volunteer liaison officer for Newport Remembers, said: “We are thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund.

“For years, such an important event in Newport’s history has gone by without recognition. It was the highest loss of life in a single day that Newport suffered.

“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of local businesses and individuals who have made donations towards the memorial. This project will honour those fallen men and look at how Newport was affected by the war.”

A memorial and eight may trees situated next to the river Usk on the Wales Coastal Path stand in everlasting memory of those men thanks to the fundraising efforts of Councillor Charles Ferris and the Royal Welsh Comrades Association.

Cllr Ferris said: “I’m delighted with this. It’s come down to people’s kindness and it’s been marvellous.

“It will now bear fruit with the HLF to teach youngsters about our history so that it never dies.

“The date of May 8, 1915, will never be forgotten and this will serve as a positive, long-term legacy.”