A PLAQUE and two six-foot silhouette statues of First World War Tommies have been unveiled at the Greengates war memorial.

The two statues have been installed at the memorial, at the junction of Harrogate Road and New Line, following donations of more than £1,600 from nearby businesses, schools and the public.

The statues were manufactured by British Legion Industries, which employs military veterans, as part of an initiative by the charity Remembered to commemorate the centenary of the end of the Great War.

The Friends of Greengates Cenotaph appealed to the community in Greengates and Apperley Bridge for help to fund one statue, which cost £750.

However, thanks to the “overwhelming” response, the group was able to buy two statues and also spruce up the memorial gardens.

Local funeral directors Edwin Pounds & Sons donated £750 to the group, and other businesses including Madeley Dairies, MAD Publications, the Cracker Barrel micro-pub, and the Dog and Gun pub all made significant donations.

Greengates Primary School also held a non-uniform day to raise funds and several local residents also but their hands in their pockets to support the cause.

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These donations paid for the statues, and also more than 100 plants and flowers which were planted by children from Greengates Primary.

The statues were unveiled, along with a plaque thanking all those who supported the campaign, by the Friends of Greengates Cenotaph, who invited donors to the unveiling.

The group also thanked Bradford Council for installing the statues at the memorial.

Mike Frazer, secretary of the Friends of Greengates Cenotaph, said: “Thank you to all the local businesses and many individuals and also to Greengates Primary School for their donations.

“We hope this commemorative installation will enhance the visitors’ experience when visiting this sacred space.

“This is just one example of the fantastic community spirit in Greengates and Apperley Bridge.”