War memorial restored in time for VE Day events

Work is being carried out to help restore a town's war memorial in time for the 80th anniversary of VE Day on 8 May.

The restoration efforts at Astley Park in Chorley, Lancashire, will help preserve the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts around the world.

Some names on the Portland Limestone panels have become faded and difficult to read in recent years.

Chorley Council has worked together with a local stonemason and a historian, Chorley Remembers project manager Steve Williams.

The restoration work will see all 15 stone panels being replaced.

Mr Williams said: "We must never forget the service and sacrifice of those named on the memorial.

"The work on the memorial, with the names highlighted in gold letters, will ensure that the fallen will be on display for many more years to come."

Gayle Wootton, head of property and planning at Chorley Council, said: "Adding the names of these brave service personnel to the newly restored civic war memorial is a poignant moment for our community."

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