THE memorial stone of the sister of Okehampton's greatest benefactor could be replaced, after the original headstone collapsed recently.

The Sophia Simmons Memorial lies within the family plot in the churchyard of All Saints Parish Church, next to the grave of Sydney Simmons.

Sydney was born in the 1830s in Okehampton and spent the early years of his life in the market town, later giving it its park and a number of almshouses.

The headstone recently broke apart, having fallen into a state of disrepair. Before the memorial disintegrated, members of Okehampton Town Council agreed that Sydney Simmons' contribution to the town was so great that the council would meet the cost of repairing the memorial, which was £2,380.

Now the memorial stone has fully broken apart, the council will investigate the cost of a replacement.

Cllr Christine Marsh said: 'Sydney Simmons was a big benefactor to this town, and we should do what we can to respect his family, and his memory.'