A Grade II listed war memorial representing two North Shields communities is being restored in time for its 100th birthday.
The Murton and New York Cross stands on Murton Lane as a poignant reminder of the sacrifice made by local people during the First World War.
Carved out of sandstone, the piece comprises a Celtic wheel cross on top of a pedestal inscribed with the names and ranks of 68 local men who perished in the war.
It has been there since its unveiling on Monday 28 March 1921 (Easter Monday) by Alderman Mason of Whitley Bay.
The 98-year-old memorial is now having work done to repair cracks in the back of the cross, paid for by a £3,380 grant from the War Memorials Trust and supported by the First World War memorials programme.
The cross has now been lifted from its plinth and taken away for repairs.
The project is being delivered by North Tyneside Council together with Billinghurst George & Partners and St Astier Consulting Contractors.
Cllr Gary Bell, cabinet member for Adult Social Care and North Tyneside Council's Armed Forces Champion, said: “This memorial is a poignant reminder of the tragic impact that the First World War had on our local communities and its significance becomes even greater as we approach its 100th anniversary. It’s only right that the cross is taken away for repairs so that the memory of those who lost their lives in the war endures for future generations. My thanks to everyone involved in this project.”
Frances Moreton, Director, War Memorials Trust said, "War memorials are a link between previous generations, ours and those who follow us. They enable us to pay tribute to the sacrifices of so many. War Memorials Trust is delighted to support this project and assist the community to improve the condition of the war memorial. If anyone knows of any other war memorials in need of help please contact the charity or, if you believe in the importance of our work, support us as the charity can only give further grants if it raises enough money."