WORK BEGINS TO RESTORE WAR MEMORIAL

Work has started to return Newburn's war memorial to its former glory.

Expert stonemasons MGM Ltd have been called in to carry out the repairs, which follows a campaign by the Lib Dems to restore the memorial.

Councillor Mike Lynch and the local Focus Team secured £15,000 of funding to ensure the project goes ahead.

The War Memorial Trust has contributed £7,000, the city council £7,000 and the Newburn Ward Committee £1,000.

Another £7,000 has been secured from the Sir James Knott Trust. The city council will also help towards the cost of new lighting and fencing.

Councillor Mike Lynch says: "I am pleased this work has started.

"In 2014 we will see the centenary of the start of the World War I and I am glad this memorial will be restored before then."