SWANAGE'S famous war memorial is to be lit up once again thanks to the work of a group of soldiers.

The floodlights on the monument, overlooking the seafront on Shore Road, corroded beyond repair some time ago, leaving it cast in darkness at night.

But along with Swanage electrician Dave Barrow, the men from the 11th Signal Regiment, based at Blandford Camp, have installed two new lamps to replace the four worn-out old ones.

Protected by a pair of heavy-duty metal grills, the aim is to have light restored to the memorial in time for Remembrance weekend.

Frank Roberts, who has been co-ordinating the army's link with Swanage for over a decade, said: "The lamps have not worked for a while now and to see them commissioned in time for Remembrance Day will be very fitting.

"An added benefit is that the pair of lamps will use less than one-tenth of the power that the old ones consumed."

The Swanage War Memorial stands in the recreation ground overlooking Swanage beach and lists the war dead of the town from the two world wars.

It takes the form of a large, tapering cairn of natural water-worn Purbeck stone and was first unveiled in 1920.

Having been granted the liberty of the town by the Mayor of Swanage in 2005, soldiers from 11th Signal Regiment have continued regular support visits.

Eight soldiers recently undertook landscaping and roof repair work at Herston Halt railway station.

This year's Remembrance events in Swanage will see a short ceremony at the memorial on the Sunday morning, followed by the annual parade.

Around 100 soldiers will join veterans, members of the local community and elements of the Royal British Legion on the march.

Members of 3 (Harrogate) Squadron are also planning a special fund-raising event to take place at Swanage Railway Station between 10am and 4pm on Saturday, November 10.

Around 50 soldiers will run, cycle and row the equivalent distance between Swanage and its twin town, Rudesheim am Rhein, in Germany.