A fundraiser has been launched to help with the upkeep for the memorial site of murdered soldier Lee Rigby.

Flags, flowers and other messages are at the unofficial memorial in Hillreach opposite the Royal Artillery Barracks where he was killed in May 2013.

The site was vandalised twice last year, including the flag being taken and other flags being damaged as they were ripped off the railings.

The cost of maintaining the memorial, especially in light of it being vandalised, has put a strain on people who are paying for it.

Danny Taylor started the GoFundMe for the upkeep and said: “It's only ever been myself and my friends who keep it going.

“I have been involved in the memorial site for Lee since the very start and also raised thousands of pounds that was donated to the military charities that Lyn Rigby and family chose a little while after Lee was killed.

“Last year just after we put up new flags and other items one day, someone ripped them down during the night and even stole a teddy bear that was left by Lee's son Jack Rigby and other items his mum left at the spot.

“We need to raise this money to pay for some boarding to put on the railings. This would help protect the flags and other items placed on the railings from the wind as they get damaged very quickly here.

“Also maybe we could get the boards painted with the union flag and fusilier flag and various football team colours. Then they would last quite a long time and the site would continue to look nice all year round.”

Fusilier Lee Rigby was killed outside the barracks by extremists Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale who are both currently serving life sentences in Belmarsh Prison for the deadly attack.

A permanent memorial to Lee was raised in St George’s Garrison Church, near the Barracks.

The fundraiser is up on GoFundMe and you can donate to it here.