A LOCAL author is donating the proceeds of his book to help to pay for the refurbishment of Redcar Cenotaph.

Eric Howden, honorary secretary and parade organiser of the Redcar Branch of the Royal British Legion, is giving the £600 proceeds from the sale of his book, Redcar Remembers its War Heroes, to the town's Cenotaph Restoration Fund.

The laurel wreath and sword on the cenotaph were painted gold last week to bring them back to their former glory after years of general weathering.

Mr Howden will present a cheque for £600 to the mayor of Redcar and Cleveland, Norah Cooney, at the Veteran's afternoon concert to be held in the Redcar Bowl at 2pm tomorrow.

The Cleveland Police Band will play and the Reverend John Richardson will conduct a service of remembrance.