We won't let vandals win

The 12-foot stone structure has stood proud in South Cerney for 80 years.

But the village awoke on New Year's Day to find it smashed into three pieces.

Now, the parish council has begun raising money to pay for repairs.

And the call for support has certainly touched a nerve, with village residents clamouring to help.

Parish clerk Maurice McKee said: "I've had calls from people basically demanding to give money.

"It has great sentimental value in the village.

"It's a reminder of all those who gave their lives for our future in two world wars.

"For young people to behave in such an unseemly manner, especially when the tsunami disaster was fresh in our minds, beggars belief."

It is not yet clear how much cash is needed for the work, which will be carried out by a professional stonemason.

Luckily, the stones were not smashed in the attack.

To restore memorial to its former glory, the three sections just need to be pinned back together with steel rods and at least one stonemason has offered to carry out the work free of charge.

Meanwhile, the police are making inquiries in the village's three pubs and in local shops to try and trace the vandals responsible for the damage.

Mr McKee said: "The police have information which suggests the damage could have been carried out by youths from outside the village."

He believes the appeal will raise far more money than the amount needed to restore the memorial.

Any remaining funds, after the repairs have been carried out, will be used to maintain other historic monuments in the village, such as Cutts' Tomb in the parish graveyard.

Anyone with information about the vandalism attack, which happened between 12.30am and 1.30am on January 1, should call Gloucestershire police on 0845 0901234.

They must quote the incident number 404 and the date of New Year's Day.

Anyone who wants to support the appeal should contact parish council chairman Michael Stuart on 01285 860439.

Tamash Lal