NAMES of the war dead on a town's memorial have been given a brighter look in time for the Remembrance service on Sunday.

Plaques on Harrogate town centre's war memorial had become grubby, sparking complaints from the public who found it difficult to identify some of the names.

Harrogate Borough Council worked with officials of the Royal British Legion to arrange the refurbishment of the six plaques.

They were removed and sent to a cleaning firm specialising in restoration of memorial plaques.

Mayor of Harrogate Councillor Ian Galloway, who will lead Sunday's ceremony, said: "Time moves on but it is even more important that we make every effort to keep these brave people in our memories.

"We know from comments we receive about the upkeep of our memorials that locals and visitors expect them to be respected and well looked after."