A £100,000 drive to open a memorial to the hundreds of merchant seamen from Bristol who have died at sea has hit its huge target - thanks to the Evening Post.

Hundreds of readers got on board the Unsung Heroes campaign after the Post revealed how there was not a permanent tribute to the seafarers which helped the city prosper.

The memorial garden and monument in tribute to merchant seaman who gave their lives for their country during the two world wars.

Post readers backed the campaign in support of the Merchant Navy Association and now the garden will be created at Welsh Back on the harbourside.

More than 30,000 merchant seamen and women from Britain, many of them in their teens, lost their lives at war last century.

But despite their heroics there is no memorial in the city to remember them - making Bristol the only major port in the country without a permanent tribute.

Fund treasurer Ted Williams said: "The campaign has been an amazing joint effort. We've had help from many different quarters.

"Many stalwart members have been collecting for years to help us reach this magnificent target and we appreciate each and every donation, from the major benefactors to the ex-Land Army Girl who sent in £5.

"These men really are the unsung heroes. It's time they had their own fitting memorial, then others will realise what an important role they played."

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