THE war memorial in Cirencester has been given a new lease of life for the First World War commemorations this August.

Mayor of Cirencester, Councillor Joe Harris was given £500 to spend on projects for the First World War celebrations taking place this year.

He decided to spend £200 of his funds on sprucing up the tired-looking memorial in the town centre.

“I walked past the memorial a few times and noticed it was getting a bit mossy and the paint going off on some parts,” said Cllr Harris.

“I thought it would be nice to get it cleaned up. It’s an important focal point of the Market Place and we should be proud of it.”

The work was carried out by Cirencester resident Rick Williams.

The Cirencester town and district councillor put the remaining £300 of his commemoration fund towards a First World War concert which is being held in the Parish Church in November this year.