A GROUP has launched a £25,000 appeal to restore Millom war memorial.

The Friends of Millom War Memorials want to get the St Michael's column memorial restored in time for the centenary commemorations to mark the of the end of the First World War in November.

The friends group of volunteers, who work to protect the war memorials around Millom area, are planning a series of refurbishments for the impressive St Michael's column memorial, in Station Road.

The names of Millom's fallen war heroes are to be repainted on the slate plinths. The limestone figure of St Michael, the column, concrete steps and pathway are all planned to be restored and cleaned up.

The group is applying to the War Memorials Trust for grant funding and it is also looking for the community to help with fundraising and donations.

Joan Hobbs, of The Friends of Millom War Memorials, said the memorial is an important feature for the townspeople and remembrance events are always very well attended by the community.

Mrs Hobbs said: "We want to clean up and restore Millom war memorial and have the names of the fallen repainted.

"It will cost £25,000 to get the work done. We want to have the work completed before the centenary of the end of the First World War.

"The people of Millom are very generous and they care very much about the war memorial. It is amazing to see all the people attending the remembrance events. People and young people are very respectful of the memorial, they come and sit next the memorial and no litter is left there."

Those wanting to make donations, or perhaps hold a fundraising event for the appeal have been asked to contact the Millom town clerk, Debbie Moorhouse, at Millom Council Centre in St George's Road.

The Friends of Millom War Memorials are set to have a stand at the upcoming Millom RL Charity Family Funday at the Devonshire Road club on Sunday May 6. They are set to be joined by Royal British Legion and Royal Naval Association representatives.