Now this funding is in place, work can begin in earnest in spring 2013. The project is a collaboration between all the museums in Preston and will also provide a great opportunity to pass on skills to young people. These include the experience of working with veterans and learning about the country’s important history and the contribution of local people.

Temporary exhibitions, interactive maps and tours, and school workshops are just some of the activities planned to help people learn about the memorial’s history and that of the people of Preston at the time. 100 volunteers will be recruited and will be involved with historic research, running events, delivering training programmes and helping out with the future maintenance of the memorial.

The restoration of Sir Giles Gilbert Scott’s original design will include an inscription commemorating those service personnel who have sadly lost their lives since 1945.

Councillor Peter Rankin, Leader of Preston City Council, said: “This vital funding can now enable the restoration of Preston’s Cenotaph at a very important time in history. The council is thrilled to have been successful in the bid, and all the partners will now work together on this project ensuring the work is carried out with the necessary sensitivity required.”

Sara Hilton, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund North West, said: “In the run up to the centenary of the First World War, we are remembering the great sacrifices that were made by men and women across the country more than ever. Preston’s War Memorial stands as a moving reminder of the great loss of life suffered in Preston during the conflict. We are really proud to be supporting this project that will not only see the memorial restored but also ensure the continued legacy of remembrance for future generations.The Heritage Lottery Fund is keen to support projects that focus on the Great War and this one is a perfect example.”

Notes to editors

Preston City Council put forward the bid to HLF in collaboration with all the museums in Preston – Harris Museum & Art Gallery, Museum of Lancashire, Lancashire Infantry Museum and Ribble Steam Railway.

The project will also see involvement from partners including UCLan, Preston CSV and Preston Vocational Centre.

The total cost of the project is £959,000 – the shortfall of £123,400 will be funded by Preston City Council and in-kind sponsorship from partners.

The works to the Memorial are planned to be completed by November 2013.

The Memorial restoration scheme was designed by Landscape Projects and Research Design Architecture Ltd.

Part of the funding will be made available to deliver a 3 year programme of learning and participation based around the impact of WWI on Preston and its citizens.

A national conference on the impact of the First World War on Preston is planned for November 2013 to be held at UCLan.

The ‘Preston Remembers’ project has been set up to promote awareness and engage with as wide an audience as possible to commemorate this historical event.

Further information

Laura Bates, HLF press office on 020 7591 6027.

Angela Sinclair, Communications Officer Preston City Council on 01772 906 476.

For more information on Preston Remembers you can contact Nigel Roberts at n.roberts@preston.gov.uk or Emma Heslewood at e.heslewood@preston.gov.uk.