A WEST Devon war memorial has been restored to its former glory thanks to a campaign spearheaded by a local serviceman.

Horrabridge resident Andrew ‘Tiny’ Collins, a Royal Navy senior non-commissioned officer, raised £3,000 to restore the village war memorial in time for Remembrance Sunday (November 11), as this year will mark 100 years since the end of the First World War.

The money enabled the renovation of the stonework and lettering as well as giving the war memorial a much needed clean.

In July this year, the Times ran a story about Andrew’s campaign to spruce up the war memorial on Station Road in Horrabridge — and thanks to donations from the local community and tireless work from Andrew the campaign was a success.

‘This year marks 100 years since the end of World War One and I feel we owe it to those who made the greatest sacrifice to remember them in the best way possible,’ said Andrew, who raised the funds needed and organised the works singlehandedly.

‘Various village groups have donated towards this great cause as well as residents who attended a very successful fundraising quiz hosted by the Horrabridge Cavaliers.

‘I feel extremely proud that as a resident of the village where I live I have been able to restore our war memorial in time for the 100 year celebrations.

‘Being a member of our Armed Forces, I am used to seeing things through to the end and I’m glad I have not disappointed with this project.

‘It truly looks a hundred times better.

‘I hope people will be inspired to restore their memorial, which I believe keeps the memory alive of the ultimate sacrifice made by these people 100 years ago.’