A village war memorial has been restored to its former glory thanks to the generosity of residents.

Steeple Bumpstead’s War Memorial is now looking its best ahead of the upcoming celebrations to mark the centenary since the end of the First World War following a £23,000 restoration.

The memorial is nearly 100 years old and has the names of soldiers from Steeple Bumpstead who died during both world wars, as well as the Cyprus conflict which began in 1974.

Residents in the village helped stump up £13,000 to cover some of the repair and clean up costs, with the remaining sum covered by a £10,000 grant from the War Memorial Trust.

Parish councillor Ian Westrope, who took it upon himself to raise cash by knocking on doors and speaking to residents about the restoration work, said: “It is an enormous sum to be given by so many from such a small community.

“Our war memorial sits in a prominent position near to the Moot Hall and is very well known by the residents.

“The stone cross was lifted off its blocks and repaired. The memorial’s surrounding wall, which was in danger of collapse, has been demolished and rebuilt and Portland Stone slabs laid around the memorial.

“Its been given a new lease of life to show that we will never forget those who gave so much for us.”

The restoration of the memorial means its long term future has been secured and it will be able to stand for at least another 100 years.

Mr Westrope added: “Everyone has been so very generous and it says a great deal about how our village works together. Many people have given their time as well as donations.

“We are a close knit village and there are many families here who have long memories of their relations who fell in the wars.”

Any funds left over will be put into a special maintenance fund to help maintain the war memorial in the coming years.

With the restoration now complete and the memorial ready for next month's remembrance services, parish council chairman Chris Cadman has thanked the efforts of Mr Westrope, who played a key role in securing the funds for repair work.

He said: "The village has been extremely generous, but it was the determination and hard work of one man, Ian Westrope, who pulled it all together and made it happen.

"We all owe him a great deal of thanks."