WANTAGE’S refurbished bandstand was officially reopened during this weekend’s Remembrance service.

The town’s Memorial Park facility – which was previously in disrepair – had been renovated ahead of the service and now has a plaque commemorating the centenary of the end of the First World War.

After armistice commemorations - involving various local groups - a parade walked from the parish church to the park, where deputy Lord Lieutenant Poul Christensen CBE cut the bandstand ribbon, at his last event before retirement.

Wantage Silver Band also played war-time music next to the facility.

Locals have welcomed the 'amazing job', labelling it ‘brilliant’, ‘lovely’, 'very smart' and ‘something positive’ for the local area.

Wantage MP Ed Vaizey added: “I was thrilled to be able to attend the dedication ceremony of the newly refurbished bandstand on Sunday.

“The park itself is committed to the memory of those who had lost their lives in the First World War and was opened just after the end of this war.

“It is very fitting that the bandstand is dedicated to the memory of those who died in this war one hundred years on from the Armistice and I would like to thank all that made this happen.”

Michaelsson Contractors Ltd, a small construction company in Oxfordshire, undertook the work.

Operations Director Ross O’Dougan said: “We were very glad to do the work and glad to have such a positive reaction from the community. It looks fantastic and we are really pleased with how it has turned out.”

Mr O’Dougan added that ‘a few more of the bricks’ will be replaced shortly.

A Vale of White Horse District Council spokesperson said: “We took a joint decision with Wantage Town Council to refurbish the bandstand in memory of the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day.

"We’ve replaced a few benches that had been vandalised in the park and are now working with the Wessex branch of TocH UK – a charity that is now fundraising to replace some of the benches.”

The council said the work, which just topped £20,000, was completed 'on time and on budget'.