VOLUNTEERS are needed to carry out a survey to protect and preserve Worcester's war memorials.

Phil Douce, chairman of Worcester Civic Society, is at the helm in Worcester for the survey of the memorials as part of a joint project between English Heritage and Civic Voice, the national charity for the civic movement in England.

There are estimated to be 80,000 war memorials in England of which only 20,000 are recorded. A pack has been made available to be used by volunteers to review and record war memorials in the area.

The need to preserve war memorials has come to public attention following the centenary of the start of the First World War last year.

Phil Douce of Battenhall, Worcester, said: "The Worcester Civic Society are keen to be involved in this project and as such are looking for volunteers to help carry out the survey. No previous knowledge is required and no qualifications are necessary.

"Full training will be given as, dependent on numbers, Civic Voice will hold a training workshop here in Worcester.

"We are particularly keen to get the local schools involved and will be contacting them in the near future."

The Civic Voice website refers to the need to conserve and protect the nation's war memorials for the long term as well as ensuring there are skilled volunteers available to assess their condition and take steps to preserve them in the proper way.

If you are interested in being involved in the project contact Mr Douce on phildouce68@gmail.com or on 07760352086.