KIDDERMINSTER'S War Memorial Trust campaigners have received some good news - in the form of £17,000 offered by the district council to complete their restoration project.

The trust, made up of representatives from ex-servicemen's groups, the church, councillors and other interested groups have been battling for the last four years to restore the war memorial, outside St Mary's Church, to its former glory.

Many of the names of those who died for their country during the two world wars have suffered the ravages of the weather and a crack has appeared on one side of the stone memorial.

The trust has already raised £21,000 of the £38,000 needed to complete the restoration work.

The group was given a welcome boost at a recent Wyre Forest District Council cabinet meeting, when cabinet member for finance, Councillor John Campion, revealed budget plans, which included £17,000 for the war memorial work.

The restoration of the monument's distinctive angel was completed just over a year ago and the trust has welcomed the proposal, which will enable it to finish the work.

Former Kidderminster Mayor, Ken Stokes, set up the War Memorial Conservation Trust in September, 2002.

He said: "This is obviously wonderful news and we're delighted.

"We now just have to wait until Wyre Forest's full district council meeting to ensure it goes through."