A STATUE of a Worcester chaplain who famously comforted troops in World War One has been removed for repairs.

Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy was known as Woodbine Willie for his habit of handing cigarettes to soldiers during the conflict.

The statue of the local hero, which is in the Cornmarket, was damaged by a vehicle on August 13.

Jon Fraser from Worcestershire County Council Highways said: "The statue has been taken away for repair and will return in due course."