Residents of a North Norfolk town have celebrated the news that a hefty donation has been made to the rennovation of their war memorial.

Aylmerton war memorial has received a grant of £1,800, meaning that the memorial can be redeveloped to make access easier for commemorators.

The grant has been awarded by the Memorials Trust Grants Scheme, which is supported by voluntary contributions from supporters.

The money will enable the old and difficult to climb six existing concrete steps to be replaced with eight slightly smaller steps.

The steps will be made of York Flagstone riven slabs, and will incorporate a locally fabricated metal handrail, made at Felbrigg Forge, in Aylmerton, by Ian Ridgway.

The work further involves replacement of the platform at the top of the steps with identical slabs.

This will flow into the work carried out in 2013, when the war memorial was cleaned and its surround replaced.

This 2013 work was also supported by a grant, this time from the War Memorials Trust Small Grants Scheme.

Work in constructing the new steps has been carefully carried out by Ian Chatten Limited of Thorpe St. Andrew, Norwich.

The new work is expected to cost in the region of £3400 excluding any VAT.

Those involved in the project are members of the Aylmerton Parish Council General Purpose Committee, which was set up in 2011 to carry out, on a voluntary basis, the physical aspects of projects with which Aylmerton Parish Council is involved.

Frances Moreton, director of the War Memorials Trust, said: 'War memorials are a tangible connection to our shared past creating a link between the fallen and today.

'It is vital we ensure all our war memorials are in the best possible condition for their age and the charity is delighted to support this project.'

She continued: 'The centenary of First World War is a wonderful opportunity for local communities across the country to protect and conserve their war memorials. If anyone knows of any other war memorials in need please contact us.'

The Aylmerton war memorial can be found in the village at the St John the Baptist Church, which has two rolls of honour dedicated to both world wars.