THE war memorial in Burley has stood in the centre of the village for nearly 90 years and it is starting to really look its age.

People living in the village are hoping to raise the £5,000 needed to restore the monument, which remembers those who lost their lives in the first and second world wars.

David Pentland, who is co-ordinating the appeal, said: "Although the memorial has been repaired and maintained by a combination of monies from public donation and by the work of local volunteers, its condition has begun to deteriorate to the extent that major repair and restoration is required by stonemasons."

The memorial, which gives the centre of the village its name, The Cross, is a simple design that provides the backdrop for the Remembrance Day parade and service.

The work to restore it desperately needs to be done before next winter and the parish council and the Royal British Legion have joined forces to launch the appeal for donations.

Mr Pentland said: "With so many of our service personnel committed to intense fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan it provides us with a stark reminder that we should do our very best to ensure that we continue to honour and respect those who have given their lives for their country.

Anyone who can help can send cheques payable to Burley Parish Council War Memorial Account to Robert Clarke, clerk to Burley Parish Council, Broombank, Castle Hill Lane, Burley, Ringwood, BH24 4EW.