A WEATHERED Second World War memorial has been restored to its former glory thanks to a local community group.

The war memorial in Osmington, a thatched bus shelter, was erected shortly after the Second World War.

The shelter was built by Osmington villagers Harold Parry-Jones, a local dentist, and his wife, Ethel, in memory of their son, David, who lost his life at the age of 20 fighting in the Battle of Normandy. He was a lieutenant in the 1st Battalion of the Rifle Brigade.

The unique memorial is constructed of squared Purbeck stone covered by a thatched roof. Located next to the entrance of the shelter is a carved tablet with the insignia of the Rifle Brigade commemorating the death of David. The memorial reads 'In memory of David Parry-Jones 1st BT The Rifle Brigade. Killed in action in France 3rd August 1944'.

Over the course of many years, wind, weather and overhanging tree branches have worn away the thatch until it became dilapidated. The shelter was listed as a Grade II building by Historic England in June 2018. The definition of a Grade II building is a UK building or structure that is "of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve it. Historic England cited the memorial as 'an eloquent witness to the impact of world events on the community'.

Local community group, Phoenix Fundraisers, undertook the task of raising funds to re-thatch the roof of the shelter. Granted permission from Osmington Parish Council, who are responsible for the shelter, the organisation got to work holding regular pub nights for locals at Osmington Village Hall. £1,000 was also donated by Osmington Music and the target of just over £2,000 was reached by the end of July.

Local thatchers from D&S Symonds replaced the dilapidated thatch with fresh reed, fashioning the ridge from locally grown wheat straw, resulting in a renovated roof which should last for many more years.

Stonemason Richard Mortimer, a member of Phoenix Fundraisers, said “We are delighted to have been involved in this project. It is great to see the bus shelter looking so smart. "It was a very worthwhile project to undertake for the village."