After a two-year battle and a Government appeal Brentford’s historic war memorial has been saved.

Campaigners fought to save the 80-year-old memorial at St Lawrence's Church after the building was taken over by new owners in 2006 and it emerged the marble First World War memorial could be destroyed by an overhanging tree if it wasn’t moved.

Members of the residents’ organisation, Brentford Steering Group, landed a council grant and tirelessly fundraised to keep the memorial alive. They have succeeded and now the piece is safely in Brentford Library and plans have been unveiled for a re-dedication ceremony.

Group member Julia Quilliam, whose brother died in Afghanistan three years ago, said: “It has taken us two years but it has been worth it. For me the memorial has special importance because of my brother Gary who was in the RAF and died on a Nimrod when he was 42.

“I know how vital it is for the people of Brentford to remember those who died.

“There are 177 names on the memorial and these are just people from Brentford.

“It makes me so upset to think of those women in Brentford who were left alone after the war and is important for the young people of Brentford to understand how these soldiers who died so we could have a better life. They should not be forgotten.”

Ms Quilliam said the group waited with bated breath after petitioning the Secretary of State to agree the move.

The group is planning a re-dedication ceremony at the library with soldiers from Hounslow Barracks and a brass band for September 19.

For its next triumph Brentford Steering Group has set up a community website, Brentford is Brilliant, to raise money for this year’s Christmas lights. Donate money to the Christmas light fund at brentfordisbrilliant.org.