THE restoration of the war memorial in Bishampton, near Pershore, will be celebrated with a service of rededication to commemorate villagers who served in the two world wars.

On Sunday, relatives and friends of those who lost their lives or fought in conflict will join the Bishop of Worcester, the Right Rev Dr John Inge, for the special ceremony.

The event will be held at 12.30pm in St James Church before proceeding to the memorial site at the village green.

The restoration project has been funded from sales of the Bishampton Remembered book, which was produced by the Bishampton Historical Society and written by the late Peter Averis. The finished memorial is the result of a three-year project to get it cleaned, repaired and relandscaped.

Mike Rickard, chairman of the history society, said: “We feel very privileged that Bishop John has agreed to rededicate the memorial which honours the men of Bishampton.

“We are also immensely grateful to everyone who has contributed to this important project in whatever shape or form.

“It is a fitting tribute to the memory of Peter Averis and all those men and women who made such sacrifices on our behalf.”

Rev Clive Fairclough, of St James Church, said: “This service of rededication offers us all in the village an opportunity to remember both the families and their relatives who lived in Bishampton and lost loved ones in war.

“It also reminds us of the importance of respecting those whom the village lost and the newly-refurbished memorial shows that respect.”

For more information, visit bishampton.org.uk.