POLICE officers in Harwich raised £500 for a memorial to commemorate the Merchant Navy in East Anglia.The cash was raised at Harwich Police's Christmas charity fundraiser, which this year brought in £2,800 for local good causes.

POLICE officers in Harwich raised £500 for a memorial to commemorate the Merchant Navy in East Anglia.

The cash was raised at Harwich Police's Christmas charity fundraiser, which this year brought in £2,800 for local good causes.

Yesterday Harwich and District Merchant Navy Association chairman Chris Barker, secretary Kate Wilson and president Jeff Spaul were handed the money, which will go towards the EADT's Forgotten Heroes Appeal.

Sergeant Peter Wood, of Harwich Police, said this year's Christmas fundraiser, at Dovercourt Haven holiday camp, was the most successful so far.

The EADT and the Harwich and District Merchant Navy Association are jointly raising funds to build a fitting memorial to honour the men and women who have served Great Britain in the Merchant Navy.

Yesterday's donation brings the total to a magnificent £10,790.46.

An architect has now drawn up plans for the memorial, which is to be an obelisk with carvings on each side.

The Association would like it to be put on at the bottom of Church Street, Harwich, on the quay.

Mrs Wilson said she is trying to arrange a meeting with Tendring District Council to show planning officers the proposals.

It is only in recent years that the sacrifice made by the merchant semen who lost their lives during the war has been recognised, with September 3 being made Merchant Navy Day.

The Merchant Navy brought vital supplies into Britain braving German U-boats as they sailed across oceans.

Anyone wanting to make a donation to the appeal can send cheques made payable to the East Anglian Daily Times, Fairfax House, Causton Road, Colchester, CO1 1RJ.

Supporters can also pay money directly into HSBC, in North Station Road, Colchester, to the Forgotten Heroes account, sort code 40-18-51, account number 01236660.