Residents’ day to pay for books’ restoration

A FUNDRAISING day is to be held to help pay for the restoration of books of remembrance which were badly damaged by vandals who broke into a cemetery.

The books, which contained messages from bereaved families, were torn and scattered throughout the grounds during the breakin at Lawnswood Cemetery in Leeds.

The books need specialist treatment and restoration before they can be put back on display.

The community day will take place on May 7 at the High Farm pub in Holt Park, which is close to the cemetery.

Event organiser Sarah Diamond said many residents were saddened by the vandalism.

She said: “I am appalled at this disgusting act of mindless vandalism that has deeply hurt those who had left messages for their loved ones in those books of remembrance.

“We are a close community and have decided to get together to raise some much-needed funds to assist in the restoration of these books and to contribute towards increased security at the cemetery.

“The day will be filled with stalls, where all stallholders are making a contribution.”

The event will be held from 1pm-5pm in the pub grounds on Farrar Lane on May 7.

Police have said fingerprints found at the scene have been linked to a potential suspect, although the investigation is ongoing.