The Fylde Memorial Arboretum, surrounded by a Community Woodland, was built in Bispham's Moor Park in February to honour servicemen and civilians alike.

The Arboretum Committee, an offshoot of the Fylde Ex-Service Liaison Committee, campaigned for the 2,500-tree memorial last year, following the success of the National Arboretum.

Now members will use the latest grant, which comes from the Forestry Commission, to construct new signs and seating areas, and possibly a plaque to commemorate Fylde coast servicemen who have died in Afghanistan.

Bill Hunter, from the committee, said: "Any amount of money we can get to help with the upkeep and improvement of the park is absolutely wonderful.

"We have talked about the possibility of putting a plaque on the main plinth to commemorate the three lads from our area who died during the Afghanistan conflict."

The two-hectare site, off Bristol Avenue, was built with £14,000 from the Forestry Commission's English Woodland Grant Scheme (EWGS), and funds from First TransPennine Express.

Mr Hunter, who served in Borneo during the Second World War, added: "The site is for people to sit and think about their loved ones, whether soldiers or civilians. We will be able to have more plaques with this funding, so people should get in contact if they want to remember someone this way."

The Arboretum, the only one of its kind outside the National Arboretum near Lichfield, is also supported by Blackpool Council's rangers.

Justine Hall, parks education and inclusion officer, said: "It has been a pleasure to be part of creating a poignant green space that will be important to people as well as wildlife.

"The woodland will create recreation opportunities, contribute to people's well-being and benefit the environment.

And James Bickley, Woodland Officer for the Forestry Commission in the North West, added: "We are delighted to have awarded additional funding to this woodland project.

"By planting new woodlands in and around urban areas like Blackpool and improving public access, we're helping to create greener and healthier areas for local communities and future generations to play, exercise and relax."

For more information on erecting a memorial, contact Arthur Roe on (01253) 761680.