A war memorial honouring school staff and pupils rediscovered in woodland is to be restored.

The 10ft memorial, near the busy Falmer Road leading to Rottingdean, was a tribute to old pupils and staff of the former Rottingdean School who died during the First and Second World Wars.

Lying close to a footpath to the Rottingdean recreation ground, the memorial has been covered in undergrowth for more than 30 years.

Local historian Douglas d'Enno found the monument when he was researching the school.

He saw it overlooking the school playing field clearly marked on a map he had been given and was delighted to find it had escaped demolition.

The former school buildings were demolished in 1964 and the land used for housing at The Rotyngs and a holiday retreat for members of the print union Sogat.

The print union's former complex has since been demolished for the Burnes Vale development.

Mr d'Enno said: "Hardly anyone knew this memorial existed. Even people who lived nearby were surprised when I told them."

Further research by Mr d'Enno revealed it was once a substantial construction on a large stone base with wooden seating.

This is the second time he has set about restoring a monument in recent years. He was responsible for the restoration of Harvey's Cross on the South Downs behind Saltdean.

Mr d'Enno, along with volunteers, has been clearing the Rottingdean site so the full extent of the monument can be uncovered before restoration starts.

Now he hopes funds can be raised to restore it to its full glory. He says it will cost thousands of pounds.

Rydon Homes, which is developing the Burnes Vale site, has already made a donation.

Ed White, sales and marketing director of the Burnes Vale complex, said: "We understand homes alone do not make a community. It is about creating a sense of time and place.

"We wholeheartedly applaud his campaign and are delighted to help."