Skipton'S war memorial could be fully renovated in time for July's celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

But the architect in charge of the project has warned that the schedule is tight.

Skipton Town Council has voted unanimously to press ahead with restoring the cenotaph at the top of the High Street and will work with the British Legion to raise the funds.

Last Thursday, the full town council overturned a decision made by its public amenities committee to carry out just a basic clean and seek a fuller restoration after the July ceremonies.

Instead the council decided to carry out the work before July and instructed its officers to pursue the matter urgently.

Carving on the Portland stone obelisk has eroded, copper-contaminated water from the angel at the top of the memorial has stained the stone, the list of names on a plaque has faded and railings and stone surrounds have deteriorated.

However, Bill Glaister, of Skipton architects Wales, Wales and Rawson said that his first impression was that the July deadline was tight.

While not impossible, he said it would be unwise to promise that the work would be finished in time for July.

"The last thing anyone would want is for parades in front of a cenotaph which is half finished, with scaffolding round it," said Mr Glaister.

He is preparing a full report with quotations for mid-April, when a decision can be made.