A CHURCH memorial to the fallen Bromsgrove soldiers of the First World War has been restored after it was targeted by vandals two years ago.

The cenotaph at All Saints' Church was sabotaged in August 2015, with three of four plaques and four metal wreaths stolen, causing irreparable damage to the monument's stonework.

But thanks to legacy donations and a cheque from a church neighbour, the memorial has now been repaired to its former glory in time for the 100-year anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele, which claimed the lives of several local servicemen.

The renovation cost around £3,000 in church funds to complete.

All Saints' Church warden Sue Ward told the Advertiser: "With the help of then county councillor Anthony Blagg we did a lot of research on how to replace the memorial tablets, what it would cost and how to go about it all.

"I am very pleased to say that we have managed to raise the funds to have replica plaques made in resin, which has no intrinsic value. We have also replaced the laurel leaves and had it renovated and reinstated and it now looks fantastic.

"The church members who left us this money were elderly and, with the anniversary coming up, we thought it was appropriate. Hopefully we've put the money to good use."

Around 40 residents, including three relatives of the cenotaph's commemorated soldiers, attended a service of dedication on Sunday morning, when new wreaths were lain.

The Burcot Lane church will be opening its doors and welcoming the public to visit the new-look memorial on September 9, as part of the national Heritage Open Day weekend.