A WAR memorial, believed to be the oldest in Britain, is a step closer to being restored thanks to a major fundraising effort by parishioners.

The Wayside Cross at Inchbrook in South Woodchester was dedicated in 1917 and erected on land donated by the Dominican monks of the friary nearby.

Parishioners need to raise £6,000 to recut the 144 names into stone and reinstate fencing and steps up from the road.

They raised more than £5,000 at a fundraising weekend in June at the Priory Church and St Dominic's School.

The weekend included a flower festival depicting events during the First World War, a screening of the film War House, illustrated talks and a tour of the church and graveyard.