A KIDDERMINSTER group has launched the second phase of its appeal to restore the town's War Memorial.

Members of the Kidderminster War Memorial Conservation Trust are aiming to raise £20,000 to refurbish the Wall of Remembrance outside St Mary's and All Saints Church.

The memorial wall, which is made from Portland limestone, features more than 800 names of men from the town who lost their lives during the two worldwide conflicts of the last century.

Repair work is needed because the elements have eroded the stone over the years and many are now illegible.

Individuals and organisations are being asked to help the appeal by donating £5 to sponsor a letter on the wall.

The trust, which was formed in 2003, successfully found funds to pay for the restoration of the bronze Winged Figure of Peace statue.

The monument was unveiled at a special commemoration service in September that marked the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Former town mayor, Ken Stokes, chairman of the War Memorial trust, hopes schools and youth organisations will get involved and help the appeal.

He added: "The whole project is about preserving the history of the town so that future generations can understand what those brave people went through.

"We are hopeful that work could start in spring of next year."

The appeal received a boost after Mike Salter, who owns a Ferret army vehicle from the 1960s, handed over £280 raised at shows in Wyre Forest.

Mr Salter, who displays the military vehicle with the help of Nigel Hepwood, said: "I decided to help because I have got a family connection with the War Memorial because my great uncle is featured on the wall of remembrance."

For more information on the scheme or to donate, contact Mr Stokes on 01562 751619 or donations can be sent to Kidderminster War Memorials Conservation Trust, 26 Vicar Street, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY10 1DA.