REPAIRS are needed for the grave of a First World War soldier who died after being injured in Palestine.

County resident Jim Buckley has set up an online appeal to pay for repairs to the headstone of Private George Edwards, buried at St Catherine's Church in Hoarwithy.

He has already raised £460 of the £600 target on JustGiving.

Writing on his page, Mr Buckley said: “Private George Henry Edwards of 1st Battalion Herefords was born in Hentland in 1893. He was the second of seven children born to Thomas and Annie Edwards and was baptised in St Catherine's Church in Hoarwithy.

"He was a thrashing machine worker who lived at Red Rail. Private Edwards died in Bristol on February 4, 1918 from chest wounds received in Palestine, aged 25 and is buried in St Catherine’s churchyard.

“Sadly, some years ago the memorial headstone of our local hero was damaged and it has been slowly deteriorating since.”

Mr Buckley explained that February 4 marks the centenary of Pte Edwards' death in Palestine, a campaign which saw the loss of nearly 62,000 British men.

In recognition of the soldier’s sacrifice, Jim wants to raise enough money to repair his headstone to its former glory.

To donate go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/georgehenryedwards