AN ELDERLY relative of a dead First World War soldier is hoping her dream of crossing the channel to witness the unveiling of a plaque in his honour next month will come true.

Betty Webber’s uncle, William Webber, was killed in 1918, just before he was due to come home and be married.

In 1929, William’s brother Arthur, Betty’s father, went to the village of Aichet-Le-Grand near to Amiens, and nailed a wooden plaque to a tree at Logeast Wood, near to where he believed his brother had died.

Last year, a councillor from the village, Philippe Drouin, contacted the Daily Echo for our help in finding members of William’s family, as he wanted to replace the plaque.

And thanks to a friend of Betty’s, Brian Cox, the connection was made and an invitation issued for Betty to travel to France this May for a ceremony unveiling the new plaque.

But 84-year-old Betty, who lives in Highcliffe, needs help in getting to the ceremony because she is partially sighted.

She said: “I do feel it’s important to try and get there to represent him.

“I have tried the Royal British Legion but they cannot help.

“If anyone is going on that weekend and can help I would love to hear from them. All my friends are of a similar age and cannot face the journey.

“I do not think it will be a huge ceremony but the mayor and village council will be present as well as, hopefully, a military representative.”

If you think you can help Betty please contact the Daily Echo on 01202 411278 or email katie.clark@bournemouthecho.co.uk