THE City of York Afghanistan Memorial Appeal has topped the £2,000 mark, only nine days after its launch.

The Press received another 21 cheques from readers yesterday, to a total value of £360.

All will go towards the £200,000 appeal to create a memorial to soldiers from the city who have been killed in Afghanistan.

Readers have written movingly of the reasons why they have chosen to support the project, which has the backing of the families of the three York servicemen who have died in the war-torn region.

One, from Acomb, said her grandfather, father and youngest son had all served in the army and come home safely.

She said: “My heartfelt gratitude goes to the families whose loved ones gave their lives in the service of their country and the protection of others, and to those who have come home.”

Another, a widow from New Earswick, told how her late father had been a Regimental Sergeant Major in the Green Howards and received the MBE and Military Cross during the Second World War.

She said: “So I love to do my bit for the lovely York boys.” “May their deaths not be in vain.”

A reader from Upper Poppleton wrote: “What a brilliant idea to create a memorial in York to our brave boys and girls who have given their lives for their country, and I enclose my cheque for £50.

“At the present time, I have a grandson serving in Afghanistan and I pray every day that he will come home safely.”

Another reader wrote: “For a well-deserved cause for those wonderful and brave boys who gave their lives for their country. They will always be remembered.”

A reader from Holgate, donating £15, said: “I think it is a wonderful gesture from The Press to organise this.”

She also suggested that streets in York should also be named after the service people who had died, as had happened in America with troops who had died in Vietnam.

•To donate to the appeal, you can send cheques payable to The City of York Afghanistan Memorial Appeal to Mike Laycock, The Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN.