A COMMEMORATIVE monument which was hit by vandals has been brought back to its former glory by community members.

The Millennium Disc, on Mellor Moor, became a target for the second time earlier this year when it was taken from the viewpoint and dumped on grassland nearby.

The stainless steel dial was found by parishioners who then took it upon themselves to return the stone to its rightful place.

Pat Young, chairman of Mellor Parish Council, said she was delighted with the community spirit.

She said: “This was just mindless vandalism because it was not stolen to sell on.

“It is a beautiful place where you can look to the places the disc tells you.

“Why would someone want to take that off?”

The Millennium Disc was erected in 2002 as part of the village’s celebrations.

It guides walkers on the moor as to the places they can see from the viewpoint including Blackpool, the Pennines and the Yorkshire Dales.

Buried beneath the stone circle is a time capsule, put together by pupils at St Mary’s School.

The disc was first bought with funds raised by the parish council. When it was taken for the first time, it could not be replaced as it was too damaged, so parishioners again dug deep to fund another.

This time, the council made an insurance claim after the dial was found near Mellor Lane and the piece was put back in its place by two villagers.

Coun Young said she was very happy with the result.

She said: “It is a beautiful landmark put back in its place right on the top of the moor.

“It is a real community place and this shows there is a real community spirit in Mellor.”