A MARSDEN war memorial that was systematically vandalised - and at one point even stolen - is to be replaced.

In 1991, war veteran Walter Horne erected a simple wooden cross on Pule Hill, overlooking the village.

He carried it to the summit with his son-in-law, David Armitage, to commemorate his comrades in the Duke of Wellington's Regiment who fell in the Second World War.

However, over the years, it was targeted by vandals. Finally, in 1997, it was dragged away, just seven months after 80-year-old Mr Horne died.

Following an appeal for its safe return, the cross was found and put up again.

But now, Marsden man and former Territorial Army soldier Nick Horn is to install another, larger cross in a permanent foundation.

The cross was dedicated in Marsden on Saturday, watched by Mr Horne's widow, Zena, and daughter Jacqueline Armitage.

The ceremony was carried out by the Rev Sue Pegg.

National Trust Volunteers have agreed to take the cross to the top of the hill and put it up at the same spot.