A WAR memorial desecrated by vandals before Christmas is to be re-dedicated.

A special service is to be held in Norman Park, Birkby, to unveil the Lone Soldier memorial.

The unveiling will be carried out by the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Dr Ingrid Roscoe, and the Mayor of Kirklees, Clr Mary Harkin.

It will follow a parade attended by council officials and representatives of the Royal British Legion.

The ceremony will be on Sunday, April 3.

April marks the 83rd anniversary of the unveiling of the memorial.

Council officials promised to restore the Lone Soldier to his former glory after the attack, which involved the statue being ripped from its plinth.

Brass plaques bearing the names of 200 soldiers from the Huddersfield area who gave their lives in the First World War were ripped from the memorial, being damaged beyond repair.

Geoff Hirst, of Kirklees Council's Leisure Services, said the attack was "sickening and harrowing".

He also said repairs could cost several thousand pounds.

New plaques are being made to replace the damaged ones and the statue itself is being renovated at a workshop in Burnley.

The parade will assemble at 2.30pm, marching by the memorial at 2.50pm for the 3pm service before the unveiling.

Mr Hirst said some of the plaques had been damaged beyond repair, but new ones had been made.

He was delighted that the memorial could be unveiled in time for the anniversary.

The unveiling ceremony will be followed by light refreshments in a marquee in the park.