Skipton cenotaph will be refurbished in time for the 60th anniversary commemorations of the end of World War Two next summer.

A new plaque will be added containing the names of any servicemen who have died on active service since 1945.

Among them will be Royal Marine Captain Philip Guy, who had moved to Skipton with his family before he was killed in the Iraq invasion last year.

A special sub committee of the Skipton branch of the Royal British Legion has been formed and has launched an appeal for £20,000 to tidy up the cenotaph at the top of the High Street.

It also wants anyone to contact them with details of family members or friends from Craven - who lost his or her life in military service.

British Legion spokesman Alex Bentley said that the cenotaph had suffered over the years. Rain reacting with copper statues on its summit had caused a green streak down the pinnacle and it was hard to make out many of the names.

"We are going to do it properly, the railings, writing, everything, so it is a proper respectful memorial to these brave men," he said.

He called on businesses to contribute to the fund and vowed the work would be completed in time for July 10, when there will be a parade in the town to mark 60 years since the end of World War Two.

If anyone wishes to contribute to the Cenotaph restoration fund, please contact Mr Bentley on 01423 880708 or write to him at Garth Crook, West End, HG3 4AZ.