VOLUNTEERS have been celebrating after seeing two years of planning in bloom this spring.

Friends of St Mary's Cemetery have been maintaining the St Mary’s Road cemetery as well as working to restore the Sankey and Penketh war memorial in time for the 100 year anniversary of the First World War.

Trudi Wood, chairman of the group, said: "I am proud to be part of this dedicated and committed group of people who have worked so hard to raise the funds for this project.

“Remembering those who have fallen for their country is so important and it is a privilege to honour them in this way.

"Our thanks go to the staff of Warrington Borough Council and Stone Central and also to the many groups and individuals who have contributed financially to this restoration project including The War Memorials Trust.”

The group are still raising funds to have new bronze plaques added to the memorial and are also organising a rededication ceremony to be held this October.

Anyone who wants to contribute or who has family or friends on the war memorial should visit friendsofstmaryscemetery.co.uk or e-mail friendsofstmaryscemetery@outlook.com.