A SCULPTURE in tribute to a World War One soldier will be unveiled next Friday, October 26 to commemorate the centenary of him being awarded his Victoria Cross.

Private Alfred Wilkinson, from Leigh, was given the highest military honour 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 to relay the message and succeeded in that task despite the journey involving exposure to extremely heavy machine-gun and shell fire for 600 yards.

The life-size sculpture, which has been designed and created by tribute artist, Andrew Burgess, in the heart of a Taylor Wimpey housing development in Pennington Wharf will be on Friday 26th October,

Wigan Council, Taylor Wimpey and Homes England have partnered together to ensure Private Alfred Wilkinson is commemorated in his home town as a result of his extreme bravery.

The new estate’s most prominent road is called Wilkinson Park Drive, after the local hero, but to further acknowledge Private Wilkinson’s legacy, a statue donated by Taylor Wimpey will be unveiled, marking 100 years since he received his Victoria Cross.

Since opening the World War One Commemoration Fund in 2014, Wigan Council has recognised a number of local soldiers who were given the highest honour the country can give by naming streets after them in their home towns.

In addition to the statue unveiling, the council, with support from Paul Sargent from Dignity Funerals in Leigh, have arranged for Private Wilkinson’s grave to be refurbished through the Fund and an information board reflecting his story will be erected in Leigh cemetery, where Private Wilkinson lays. Pupils from St. Thomas’ CE Primary School have also drawn pictures based on Alfred’s life, which will be digitally printed onto a large poppy to create a lasting tribute.

Cllr Clive Morgan, lead member for the armed forces at Wigan Council said: “I’m very pleased we are recognising the extraordinary bravery of Private Wilkinson in such a visual way. This is a fitting tribute and will ensure that the name of Alfred Wilkinson and all he did for his country will be remembered for years to come. The centenary gives us the opportunity to reflect and remember the impact of the war, which touched the lives of everyone across the borough. It is right we recognise and honour those who defended our country and remember the sacrifices people endured.”

Chloe Dunn, sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey Manchester adds: “This statue will serve as a legacy for our residents and the wider community to remember and appreciate Alfred Wilkinson’s service.

“We’re honoured to have such a beautiful memorial at Pennington Wharf. It’s been a delight to work together with a talent, such as Andy Burgess, and local school children to see the finished statue unveiled for everybody to enjoy.”