PLANS are afoot to create a living memorial for victims of a devastating wartime bombing raid.

The proposals follow research carried out by local historian Jack Hair into bombing of Beamish, near Stanley, County, Durham, in the early hours of May 1, 1942.

Eight people died, including three children, and 25 were injured when an unexploded bomb detonated several hours later.

Mr Hair, who has published an account of the tragedy, The Bombs at Beamish, said: "Urpeth Parish Council has agreed in principle to support and help finance the laying of a shrub bed in the area where the bomb exploded.

"The idea is to include a simple memorial with the names of the people killed."

The bombs were dropped in a twist of fate that saw Durham City spared from the raid.

In retaliation for RAF raids on Germany, Hitler had ordered the Luftwaffe to attack the region's most historic city.

However, as the waves of aircraft approached, a mist rose from the River Wear, shrouding the city and hiding it from enemy view.

The frustrated pilots flew on, the all-clear sounded and the mist disappeared as suddenly as it had arrived.

Although the mist saved Durham and its priceless heritage, it was disastrous for Beamish, ten miles away.

The German pilots, seeking other targets for their weapons, targeted the community and three of their bombs hit.

One exploded on impact, damaging shops and houses and a second landed on an embankment - the bomb disposal squad had enough time to seal the area before it went off.

The third lay undiscovered in Smith's shop in Station Road until later that night when it exploded as a group of children were playing nearby and people were waiting at a bus stop.

Anyone interested in taking part in plans for the memorial is invited to attend a talk by Mr Hair on the tragedy.

It will be held in the South Moor Library, at 7.15pm, on Monday, February 9. Admission is free.