THE END is in sight in the battle to save a crumbling war memorial after the remaining funding for the project was finally agreed.

The eye-catching First World War plinth which stands outside St Barnabas church in Woodford Green - is in danger of collapse unless cash can be found to restore its dilapidated wood and stonework.

Campaigners trying to save the monument - which displays the names of 57 local men who gave their lives for their country - mounted a desperate search for funding to meet the estimated £8,000 cost, with Redbridge Council promising to pay any shortfall in money raised from other sources.

The authority will now have to come up with around £4,000 after agreement was reached with the Essex Branch of the Western Front Association (WFA) and the War Memorials Trust (WMT) for the rest of the funding.

Deputy Church Warden Alan Clark, who helped lead the campaign said: "In all honesty it's been one hell of a job to get this done.

"Like pushing water uphill.

"I'm obviously really pleased we have reached this stage but it's been tough."

Mr Clark said the WFA has agreed to donate £400 and the War Memorials Trust has agreed in principle to give between £3,000 and £4,000 pending final permission.

The father-of-two revealed that since the campaign began he has been contacted by the great-granddaughter of a soldier from the Essex Regiment whose name is engraved on the memorial.

He said: "She sent me an email after hearing about the campaign and thanked me for trying to save it.

"She said he mother still lives close to the church."

Area Two councillors are set to discuss the funding at their next meeting on February 2.