A SPECIAL dedication of the newly-restored Malton War Memorial takes place this weekend.

The Malton War Memorial has undergone a transformation to mark the 100 years since the ending of the First World War.

Proposals for the refurbishment of the memorial were originally put forward in 2012 by the Malton and Norton Rotary Club and gained support from Malton Town Council, Fitzwilliam Estate, the Malton, Norton and District Lions Club, Norton Town Council and the Malton, Norton and District Branch of the Royal British Legion.

J Rotherham’s of York have installed a new plaque containing names from the First and Second World Wars, which were omitted from the original plaques and the addition of a soldier killed in 1971.

Malton Fitzwilliam Estate has carried out a deep clean of the stone work, while the paved surface to the rear of the memorial has been replaced by J J & A W Skeet & Sons.

Malton Fitzwilliam Estate has funded further work which will be carried out by TWS Fabrications and will see the railings around the memorial being reinstalled. The original railings were removed as scrap metal in 1940 to support the war effort.

Mayor of Malton, Cllr Paul Andrews said: “I am delighted to see this wonderful restoration and transformation.

“It is quite incredible to see all the names of all these young men and know they each made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives to protect democracy, the country and the future generations living now.

“It is a great testament to Malton that the town played such a significant part in both world wars and post war in military operations.

“It is only right that our wonderful war memorial be kept in a manner that befits its status to the fallen.”

Paul Farndale, chairman of Malton, Norton and District British Legion, said: “We are most fortunate here in Malton to have such an impressive memorial which is much cherished by residents and the British Legion. This is a significant year, marking as it does the end of the First World War in November 1918.”

A dedication of the new plaque will be carried out by Sir Philip and Lady Isabella Naylor-Leyland on Sunday, at 2pm, at the Malton War Memorial. Everyone invited.