Memorial to blitz victims

A memorial will be built in Cathedral Square

A memorial to Birmingham's victims of the blitz is to be built in Cathedral Square in the city centre.

The announcement made on Wednesday follows a long-running campaign by members of the Birmingham Air Raid Remembrance Association (Barra).

Sir Albert Bore, leader of Birmingham City Council, said the square would be the most appropriate setting for the memorial.

"The council is fully supportive of the plans to create a memorial that honours the civilians killed in the air raids in Birmingham," he said.

'Never forget'

More than 2,000 people lost their lives in the blitz on the city during World War II.

BBC WM presenter and Barra chairman, Carl Chinn, says he is pleased the memorial will be in a prominent position in the city centre.

"Birmingham was the second most bombed city in the UK during the Second World War," he said.

"We need to ensure that the victims of the blitz are never forgotten and their contribution to both the well-being of the modern city and democracy is remembered."

A memorial service to victims of the air raids will take place at St Martin in the Bullring on Saturday.

How the memorial will be paid for and its exact location within the square have yet to be decided.