A GWENT village has raised more than £1,000 to replace the nameplate on a cenotaph, which was the dream of a resident.

Now those organising the appeal are urging anyone who thinks a loved one's name is not already on the plaque but should be mentioned to get in touch.

The cenotaph in Llanhilleth was erected 12 years ago, and there are currently 106 names from the First World War and 45 from the Second World War on the nameplate. Pam Hopkins, who organises the village's Armistice Day service, said: "Half the men from Llanhilleth who went to war did not return.

"It was the dearest dream of Bill Smith, who was the chairman of Llanhilleth Institute, to have a cenotaph."

Together with members of the council at the time, he raised the money for the memorial and it was built and dedicated in 1989.

A year later, Mr Smith approached Mrs Hopkins to ask her to arrange an Armistice Day service, and she has been doing so every year since.

"For a small community, we have about 200 to 300 people at our service," she said. Among those who take part each year are Pastor Trevor Russell, of Tillery Street Methodist Church, Territorial Army cadets, who form the guard of honour, and Abertillery Town Band, who have pledged their support from the first service.

Last year, Mrs Hopkins noticed that the nameplate on the cenotaph was deteriorating, and decided it needed to be replaced.

"There is no written record apart from that," said Mrs Hopkins. After the Armistice Day service, she announced to those present that fundraising was starting for a new brass nameplate.

Now individuals, clubs and organisations have raised £1,400 for the plaque. Mrs Hopkins already has two names to be added to the new nameplate. "This is an opportunity for anyone who thinks there is a name which has been left out," said Mrs Hopkins. "We would like people to telephone me if they think there is a name missing."

Mrs Hopkins can be contacted on 01495 212010.