THE War Memorial at Shobrooke has been cleaned, lettering renewed and a new metal handrail fitted.

Shobrooke Parish Council was delighted to receive a grant of just over £1,000 from the Devon Remembers World War Two War Memorial Restoration Grant Scheme to enable it to pay for some of the works.

As well as cleaning the memorial, six missing ranks and a missing name were added.

Jane Hole. Parish clerk, explained that the new metal handrail has been fitted on the steps leading up to the memorial.

She explained: “We have applied to designate the area on which the war memorial stands a Public Open Space and are applying for Listed status from English Heritage.

“This will protect the War Memorial and ensure its survival for future generations.”

Jane said that the memorial will be re-dedicated at the Remembrance Day Service in November.

She added: “The Parish Council is also grateful for the time and effort of parishioners involved in the project and in particular the new bench which was kindly donated by a parishioner and to Jewson, Crediton, who provided the paving slabs free-of-charge.”

The Parish Council recently provided the funding to clean and renew the lettering, which was carried out by FJ Stevens and Son, of Crediton.

A parishioner also kindly donated a bench, now a handy stop for walkers. The area has also been designated as a public open space.

Alan Quick