A ONCE crumbling war memorial which honoured fallen heroes has finally been restored to its former glory thanks to nearly a decade of effort from community stalwarts and volunteers.

The century-old Shrub End war memorial has stood next to All Saints' Churchyard since 1922, but it was in such disrepair that it had to be fenced off on health and safety grounds two years ago.

There were fears it would eventually face demolition, but a full refurbishment has been completed and the memorial was unveiled on Friday ahead of yesterday’s Remembrance commemorations.

Determined – Sue Starling, pictured in August when preparations were underway to remove the war memorial and refurbish it at a workshopDetermined – Sue Starling, pictured in August when preparations were underway to remove the war memorial and refurbish it at a workshop (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest) The project to restore the memorial began in 2016 when former councillor Kevin Starling started work on finding out who was responsible for the declining structure and how it could be repaired.

After Mr Starling died at the start of this year aged 68, his wife Sue Starling took on the challenge of saving the structure and enlisted the help of former MP Sir Bob Russell.

Mrs Starling, 68, said she was emotional when she saw the completed restoration.

She said: “I desperately wanted to see it finished, but to see it standing there was just overwhelming – I don’t know how I did it.”

By the time Mrs Starling took on the project much of the £46,000 needed for the refurbishment had been raised from community donations and a grant from the War Memorials Trust, but her work meant a final grant from Colchester Council eventually came through earlier this year.

Effort – Kevin Starling, who died earlier this year aged 68, was instrumental in starting the process of restoring the war memorialEffort – Kevin Starling, who died earlier this year aged 68, was instrumental in starting the process of restoring the war memorial (Image: Kevin Starling) A special ceremony took place on Friday when more than 70 pupils from Gosbecks School, Iceni Academy and Paxman Academy attended alongside councillors and members of the Royal British Legion gathered to see the finished work.

Mrs Starling, her son Kirk and granddaughter Kimberley unveiled the memorial at the service, which was presided over by Colchester High Steward Sir Bob.

Commander of Colchester Garrison, Lt Col Ed Rankin, laid a wreath as part of the ceremony whilst the Bishop of Colchester led the prayers.

Finished – the war memorial after the unveiling on FridayFinished – the war memorial after the unveiling on Friday (Image: Sue Starling) The building work involved removing and dismantling the memorial before restoring the pillars at the side and the gable on top of the structure.

Mrs Starling added: “Kevin would be amazed.

“I was always in the background helping him do everything, even when he was a councillor – now, I’ve had to come to the front and face it myself.

“My legs were like jelly at the unveiling on Friday.”