RUBERY residents young and old turned out in force to a service held to rededicate a new-look war memorial.

The monument, outside The Royal British Legion Club, in New Road, boasts new black bases under each of its four marble stones.

The former bases had started to erode away.

The area around the memorial has been re-paved and smartened up to make it more accessible.

The event began with a march which included members of the Rubery and Rednal branch of The Royal British Legion.

The procession wound its way from The Rose and Crown Pub to the site where a service was led by the group's chaplain, the Rev John Barret.

Visitors included Bromsgrove District Council chairman Cllr Ann Doyle (Con, Barnt Green), and leader Cllr Nick Psirides (Con, Norton).

Members of Rubery Air Training Corps were also there, and pupils from Waseley Hills High School laid a wreath.

The £4,000 changes, which also include a new flagpole with a gold top, have been funded by Bromsgrove District Council.

Two of the four marble stones record the names of men and women from Rubery and Rednal who died during the two world wars.

Rubery and Rednal's legion chairman Les Astill said: "It was a bigger turnout than we expected and the service was very moving.

"The war memorial looks great and it was nice to see youngsters taking part."

The branch is looking for ex-servicemen to join. If you are interested call Les on 0121 453 3926.