Work to repair and conserve a memorial to Indian soldiers who died in Brighton during the First World War will begin in September.

The domed Chattri monument stands on the Downs near Patcham Court Farm and is made of white Sicilian marble.

Some of the stone slabs on the plinth on which it stands are uneven and it needs refurbishing.

Now a listed building, the Chattri was erected in 1921 to commemorate injured Indian soldiers who died at the Royal Pavilion when it was used as a hospital during the Great War.

Work will involve a photographic survey to record the exact locations of all stone slabs and the lifting and rebedding of the uneven areas around the terracing.

Additional repairs will be carried out to the precious marble, followed by re-pointing works and specialist cleaning of the whole memorial.

Councillor Gill Mitchell, chairwoman of Brighton and Hove City Council's environment committee, said: "The Chattri has a special place in Brighton and Hove's history. It is wonderful to be able to preserve one of the city's landmarks for future generations."

Specialist stonemasons Cathedral Works Organisation, from Chichester, will carry out the work, which is expected to begin within the next three weeks and last for five weeks.

The cost of about £36,000 will be provided from the council's maintenance fund. There are walking and cycling trails to the Chattri from Patcham. Go to www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/ countryside for more details.