A RIBBLE Valley sculptor has crafted a lasting tribute to the heroes of the Second World War.

Using the trunk of a beech tree Martyn Bednarczuk, 52, of Barrow, crafted a 6ft homage to a soldier from the Royal Engineers.

The artist used a chainsaw and chisel to craft the soldier out of the trunk and it is now positioned in the Territorial Army regiment's headquarters in O'Leary Street, Warrington, Cheshire.

Staff at the 75 Engineer Regiment got their hands on the statue earlier this month and it now takes pride of place in their barracks.

Martyn said: "I bought the raw material from a sawmill in Gisburn and have taken about 11 months, on and off, to complete it.

"I've also been doing lots of other things at the same time, including renovating a cottage.

"I think it looks great in its new setting.

"There's a special finish on it to let moisture out, but not in."

Lieutenant Colonel Sean Harris, commanding officer of 75 Engineer Regiment (Volunteers), praised the Ribble Valley artist for his efforts.

He said: "The 75 Engineer Regiment moved its headq-uarters last year from Manch-ester to Warrington and inherited an infantry barracks.

"It was very important in stamping our identity in the area that we looked at commissioning a piece with Martyn, which was very specifically Royal Engi-neers.

"Of all the engineering roles that we carry out, mine clearance - as depicted with the sculpture - is synonymous with the Corps.

"Martyn has managed to produce a beautiful piece and where it currently stands in the RHQ entrance, with the back lighting, not only does it clearly show us as a Royal Engineers regiment within Warrington, it also serves as a great conversation piece and gives something for the soldiers to be proud about."