A WAR memorial which was stolen and badly damaged has been replaced following a major community project.

The plaque at Middlesbrough’s All Saints’ Church commemorates men who had worked at what was Gjers Mills’ Ayresome Ironworks but who died in the First World War.

It was stolen in 2007 and later found to be very badly damaged.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) granted £8,500 to restore it after a major community project titled They Answered Their Country’s Call, which took its name from the text on the original memorial.

Middlesbrough Borough Council, Teesside Archives, Teesside University volunteers and William Lane Foundry were all involved and pupils from Archibald Primary and Ayresome Primary Schools took part in a special commemorative event on Monday. Stuart Duffy from William Lane Foundry, who had been custodians of the original damaged plaque, shared his experience of creating the new memorial and his own personal connections to the plaque at the Grade II*-listed church.

After the schoolchildren read poetry, Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd and Fr Glyn Holland of All Saints Church unveiled the replacement war memorial and dedicated the tablet. Project Manager Dr Tosh Warwick said: “The church is in the heart of the community and was even referred to as the ‘ironmasters church.’ By installing the replacement memorial in the heart of the town the HLF project has ensured that there is a tangible reminder of this important part of our heritage, whilst in working with young people and creating new community resources, a legacy for future generations is ensured.”

A new pop-up exhibition about All Saints’ Church, the manufacturing industries and the First World War in Middlesbrough was also unveiled at the event, which will be accessible during church opening times. The bronze plaque which commemorates 20 men was stolen by thieves who sold it for scrap. It was recovered after staff at the European Metal Recycling company in the town discovered the tablet and called police.