AN ACT of "desecration" at a war memorial in Germoe has sparked outrage among those who care for the site.

A passing villager was shocked to see a group of young people disrespecting the monument by climbing up to its cross in front of a large crowd.

The man, who does not wish to be named, took this picture of the scene, which he then passed to the parish council.

Parish clerk Colin Chapman said: "The picture was taken during the last weekend in July and we have reported it to Helston police.

Apology

"What we want is information about the group and at the very least, an apology from them."

The memorial to soldiers killed in action was built on top of Tregonning Hill following the First World War.

Upkeep of the memorial is paid for by the local community and over the last five-years around £5,000 has gone into its preservation.

Mr Chapman said he was angered by the lack of consideration for other people and for those killed in the war.

He said: "I'm of the generation who can remember how things were after the war. This is disgraceful."

His sentiments were echoed by the Royal British Legion. RBL county chairman Clive Rawson said he was saddened by the act and blamed those climbing on the memorial and the onlookers who said nothing in equal measure.

He said: "I was shocked to see the photograph.

"The Germoe memorial lies within the boundary of the Breage branch of the legion which, along with my capacity as the county chairman, I am responsible for.

"Each year on November 11 we gather there to lay wreathes in honour of those named on the memorial and those who have died in all conflicts.

"In Britain we take pride in our free society.

"We have laws to protect people from racial, sexual and religious discrimination, yet the memorials in place to honour our fallen have no such protection, leaving them open to an ever-increasing level of abuse.

"To see these young people committing this act of desecration with such apparent enthusiasm defies belief.

"I am sure that if confronted they would apologise.

"However, it is a sad indictment of today's society when young people cannot see, without being told, that they are committing a vile act in showing such disrespect to a memorial dedicated to those who have given their lives for freedom.

"It is not just those on the memorial, but also those who remained silent while these antics took place; they are all guilty."

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the police on 0845 2777444.