TWO children who were murdered in Abertillery almost 100 years ago will be remembered by townsfolk at a special memorial service on August 4.

The service will coincide with the rededication of the restored graves of Freda Burnell and Florence Little, who died in 1921.

The victims’ graves are being repaired by funds raised through a local campaign organised by two councillors and a historian, Neil Milkin, who has written books about the murders.

Mr Milkin said the response from the local community has been “marvellous”, but he is hoping to have one final round of fundraising to reach the £4,000 target.

He joined the campaign, started by Cllrs Gill Clark and Julie Holt, after hearing how relatives of Freda and Florence were saddened by the graves’ condition.

“I’ve heard from lots of relatives who wanted to visit the town and were disappointed when they saw the condition of the graves”, Mr Milkin said.

“One grave is lying flat on its side, and the other has subsided.”

Back in the 1920s, the people of Abertillery were so horrified by the girls’ deaths they joined together to raise enough money to build a fitting memorial.

Mr Milkin believes the town managed to raise the equivalent of £20,000 in today’s money.

He believes next month’s memorial service will foster a similar sense of community spirit as people come together to honour Freda and Florence.

Relatives from the girls’ families will travel from far and wide to attend the service, at Abertillery’s Metropole centre, on August 4.

Abertillery Town Band and the Ladies’ Orpheus Choir will entertain guests at the service, before a special rededication ceremony at Brynithel Cemetery, where the restored graves will be unveiled.

Mr Milkin can be contacted on 07989555376 or via email at n.milkin@sky.com

Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so at any bank quoting the following details:

Name: Burnell-Little Memorial Fund

Sort code: 20-18-17

Account no: 93330931