THIS is the first picture of a planned memorial for Manchester civilians killed during the Second World War.

On the left is a model of a '200,000 tree - made of steel, copper and bronze - which will be unveiled in Piccadilly Gardens during the May bank holiday as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations of Victory in Europe Day.

More than 700 Mancunians were killed when the German bombing blitz reached a peak in December 1940.

About 100,000 homes, the cathedral, the Royal Exchange and the Free Trade Hall were damaged.

The names of the dead will be engraved in the trunk of the tree, which was chosen by a group including war veterans and survivors.

It was designed by East Midlands firm Wolfgang and Heron, and will be funded by Manchester city council.

The city council will also make grants of up to '500 to re-create scenes of celebrations on the streets when victory was declared on May 8, 1945.

Communities can apply for money for celebrations or educational events with a VE Day theme, if they take place between April 30 and May 8.

Cash can be used for publicity, decorations, refreshments, education and display materials, room hire, audio-visual equipment, entertainers, travel and any other reasonable costs.

Deputy council leader Val Stevens said: "We hope people will take this opportunity to celebrate in their communities this historic event. It is a time to honour and remember the courage of all the ordinary Manchester men, women and children in extraordinary times."

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