A WEED-infested patch of derelict land will be transformed into a tribute to First World War soldiers from two villages, to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the war.

Great Alne and Kinwarton Memorial Hall, on Henley Road, Great Alne, near Alcester, wants to renovate the patch of “miserable” land at the back of the site in time for next year.

The 24m x 7m land will be restored into a Centenary Memorial Garden with railway sleepers, a terrace, benches and a slate plaque in remembrance, but is expected to cost £25,000.

The project has been shortlisted in a Tesco Bags of Help initiative to win a £4,000, £2,000 or £1,000 grant, but requires votes from the public to help them bag the cash.

Hall chairman Martyn Davey said: “The land has never been used. It is full of weeds, miserable and unusable.

“There were nine people killed and 54 others from the villages of Great Alne and Kinwarton who served their country during the Great War.

“We thought it would be a good idea to reclaim the derelict land and turn it into a memorial garden.

“We think the garden will solve a problem of the weed-infested area and it will have a positive impact on the villages.

“We have got loads of support from the two parish councils, district and county councillors and the local residents. It will be transformational.

“We are halfway to the £25,000 we are trying to raise and support from the public here would be a great help.”

The project has achieved £13,500 of its target, including a £10,000 grant from the Awards for All Big Lottery Fund, and aims to open next summer.

Residents can vote to help them secure the grant – raised from carrier bag sales – in Tesco stores at the checkout throughout October.