THE Forest Church, Drybrook, will be the scene of a special ceremony on Sunday when the memorial to a remarkable miners' leader is restored.

To the delight of all lovers of Forest history a new headstone has been made for the grave of Timothy Mountjoy, and it will be unveiled and dedicated at a ceremony at 5.45pm.

A special service will follow in the church, said history enthusiast Maurice Bent of Ruardean Hill.

"We will be singing some of the hymns that Mountjoy sang. Everyone is welcome to come along," said Mr Bent. The service will be conducted by Drybrook's vicar, the Rev Andrew James, who has been helping Mr Bent and the Forest of Dean History Society.

Timothy Mountjoy was a 19th century miners' leader and Methodist preacher, and was also well known for a book, 'The Life, Labours and Deliverance of a Forest of Dean Collier.'

The new stone is sited on Mountjoy's grave near the East Window – the original marker was removed some years ago when the churchyard was 'tidied up'.