Lack of respect for our war dead

The Pots & Pans memorial during a Royal British Legion service

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A vicar has issued a heartfelt plea to restore Saddleworth’s iconic Pots and Pans war memorial following a spate of vandalism.

The landmark monument, which commemorates the dead of two world wars, is 1,200ft up on the Pennines above seven Saddleworth villages.

Just over a month before a special anniversary Remembrance Day service, locals have been shocked by a catalogue of damage and defaced nameplates.

Saddleworth team vicar the Rev John Rosedale (60) - chaplain to the local Royal British Legion and himself a former RAF officer, said: “My heart goes out to those hurt by the behaviour of those responsible for the vandalism. I hope we can find a way of returning the memorial to its former glory.

“Who would take the time to climb such a distance to commit an act of vandalism? Or why, on a walk across the hills, would someone want to commit such an act? This has highlighted the need for us to take action and ensure the memorial and surrounding fencing are cared for.”