AN appeal has been launched to restore the resting place of a soldier who was awarded the highest military honour for bravery.

Private Alfred Wilkinson, from Leigh, was given the Victoria Cross for the bravery he showed in completing a daring mission across no man’s land during the First World War at the Battle of Selle in Marou in northern France in October 1918.

Four runners had been killed attempting to deliver a message to the supporting company before Private Wilkinson volunteered.

He managed to do this despite being exposed to heavy machine-gun and shell fire.

Funeral director Paul Sargent has set up a crowdfunding appeal to restore his resting place at Leigh Cemetery which is in a state of disrepair after years of weather damage.

He also hopes to hold a remembrance service at the Victoria Cross winner's graveside to honour his achievements.

Paul said: "Alfred's story needs to be heard by all in the area and we must never forget the gallantry he performed as well as from all our veterans.

"For his grave to be brought back to the standard he deserves would give me a sense of pride.

"It would be great that the people of Leigh would have been able to give something back to Alfred and that his memory and sacrifices he made will never be forgotten."

Private Wilkinson, who served with the Manchester Regiment and later achieved the rank of lieutenant, was born in Leigh in December 1896 and survived the trenches to return to the town where he married Grace Davies in 1932.

He opened a sweet shop with his wife before going to work at Bickershaw Colliery.

Alfred was killed as a result of gas poisoning at the colliery in 1940 and was buried next to his dad with full military honours.

He has a road named after him in Leigh called Wilkinson Park Drive.

To make a donation to Paul's crowdfunding page visit bit.ly/2Mshfrm.