The grade two listed structure, in Alexandra Park, Hastings, has been in gradual decline because of weathering and old age.

Its stone base has begun eroding and the painted surface, flaking away.
Now, thanks to the fund raising efforts of the Ex-Servicemen's Association and commitment from both Hastings Borough Council and English Heritage, work to repair it will start early next year.

Cllr Peter Pragnell, leader of Hastings Borough Council, said: "Well done and thank you to the Ex-Servicemen's Association who have managed to raise £20,000 for this great cause.

"Our Mayor, Cllr Maureen Charlesworth, made the restoration of the memorial one of her charities last year and we have set aside £120,000 towards the cost of the project. English Heritage too has committed some £10,000, for which we are very grateful.

"The memorial will mostly be restored to its original design, repairing the base, cleaning off the many paint layers and relocating the plaques to a new memorial wall. The fenced enclosure will have simplified new paths to allow plenty of room around it for our Remembrance Sunday services."

Designed in 1920 by Margaret Winser, a pupil of Rodin, the memorial commemorated the men of Hastings and St Leonards who lost their lives in the First World War.

In 1922 the memorial was unveiled by General the Earl of Craven and dedicated by the Bishop of Chichester, the Right Reverend Winifred Oldfield-Burrows.

By 1923 the responsibility for maintaining the memorial fell to the Council.

Twelve years ago plaques commemorating those that died in the Second World War and subsequent campaigns were added.