A WAR memorial dedicated to brave brewery workers will now be protected for years to come.

West Bergholt Parish Council members were first approached by Gill Poole of the West Bergholt Local History Group a couple of years ago.

She raised concerns the tiled war memorial dedicated to brewery workers who served in the First World War was becoming weather damaged.

The memorial was originally installed inside the Truman Building in West Bergholt, however, following its transformation from brewery to housing, the tiled memorial was moved outside onto the side of a peaceful walled garden.

Having never originally been intended for outside display the tiles were beginning to deteriorate.

The parish council had the idea to cover the memorial with a weatherproof clear display cabinet.

The project, led by parish councillor Brian Butcher, has taken 18 months to come to fruition and was only possible with a contribution and permission from Boydens Estate Agents, who are the management agents of the site.

The cover and installation costs came to a total of £2,064 with a generous donation from Boydens Colchester of £500, £75 from G & O Investments and with the parish council paying the remaining sum.

Laura Walkingshaw, parish clerk, said: "The weatherproof oak cover has now been fitted and looks great.

"It is a poignant memorial to the workers of the brewery who served in the First World War, in this commemorative year."

Brian Butcher said the money from the parish council had come from a First World War reserve fund.

He said: "One would hope this will protect it for years to come.

"It was outside for many years, we arranged for a survey to be done and it was found it could not be restored without significant expenditure, but it could be protected from future deterioration."