Neglected war graves are restored to former glory

Scores of war graves in Hartlepool which had lain unmarked for decades have been restored and rededicated at a special service.

The headstones from the graves, in North Cemetery, were originally removed in the 1970s because of repeated acts of vandalism.

Now, thanks to the efforts of a dedicated group called Friends of the North Cemetery, 41 headstones have all now been replaced, and the remaining names have been inscribed on a new memorial.

Commonwealth war graves commissioner and North Durham Labour MP Kevan Jones, and campaign group chairman Jane Shaw, organised the rededication ceremony.