A TOWN'S war memorial is to be refurbished.

And the Friends of Seaham War Memorials hope to gather the names of war dead from the town who are not already listed on the cenotaph, in the town park, off Stockton Road.

Names of several previously unlisted local people who lost their lives in the two world wars, or later conflicts, have been discovered.

But the group is asking people with details of anyone else who may be missing to pass them on to the friends group.

A member of the group, Derek Bland, said the first aim was to assess the cost of the refurbishment.

He said the possible transfer to a new location had already been ruled out on cost grounds.

"It could be that we build a fence around it, as they have in other places, to protect it," said Mr Bland.

"We've got one or two new names to add already, and if we get the money raised, we will be able to put them all up."

He said it would require a new tablet being placed on the side of the memorial.

Mr Bland, who is also secretary to the Seaham branch of the Royal British Legion, said names could be added of those who died in any conflict, but they must have been from the surrounding area.

The group has further plans to improve other memorials in the town, but is awaiting the outcome of grant applications.