THE bill for all Remembrance Day services in Kirklees should be paid by the council, says a councillor.

Currently, only a small number of events receive any cash from the council.

In Mirfield, the £600 bill for two brass bands is paid by the parish council.

Mirfield councillor Martyn Bolt says: "I was looking at the kinds of festivals and events that Kirklees supports and was surprised to find that, although the council supports some Remembrance Day services, it doesn't support all of them.

"It's one event that all the community can take part in, as it's not religious. What better use of ratepayers' money can there be than remembering the people who gave their lives?

"And with the war in Iraq there are now men who have died more recently for their country.

"Our services, which stem from the armistice parades after the First World War, serve as a reminder of the sacrifices which were made, and sadly still are being made, by our people."

He said the Royal British Legion changed its policy recently, which means it can no longer pay for Remembrance Day services.

Clr Bolt added: "It's a civic event and it's something that the council should willingly embrace. Hopefully it will be reviewed and there will be some uniformity.

"Nearly every village and town has a war memorial."

A Kirklees spokeswoman said: "For the last 30 years funding has been provided for Remembrance events in Huddersfield, Dewsbury and Batley.

"Groups in other areas are welcome to apply for cash from their local area committee."