THE boy who sparked outrage when he was caught on camera stranded at the top of Leigh's war memorial has apologised to the town's old soldiers.

And the ex-servicemen this week accepted the written apology from the teenager who was featured in the exclusive front page Journal photograh.

The repentant teenager, identified after being caught on a newly-installed high-tech CCTV system which focuses on Leigh's town centre memorial gardens, wrote to angered Leigh Royal British Legion members after being cautioned by police.

After a frame from video footage was publicised in the Journal two weeks ago, the 15-year-old was identified and summoned to report to Leigh police station.

And this week the apology -- printed here but with his identity concealed because he is a minor -- was handed to Legion representatives at their regular Tuesday evening meeting in Leigh Conservative Club in Railway Road.

Our picture shows branch secretary John Kelly (left) and committee member John Corbett receiving the letter of apology.

It reads: "Dear Sir, I'm very sorry for the stress and for the disrespect from me climbing up the cenotaph. I was climbing up for my friend's trainer without thinking it was a gravestone for those who died in the war.

"I can't blame you for being mad but I wasn't thinking at the time. I promise you that I will show no disrespect to the cenotaph again. I hope you accept my apology.

Yours sincerely..."

At first Mr Corbett told the Journal he was "lost for words" when told about the letter.

Last week committee man Mr Corbett and Legion comrade Bert Paxford castigated the climber's antics and their immediate reaction was that he deserved to be shot. But after reading the apology he said: "We're very pleased that the lad was man enough to say 'sorry'.

"He could have suffered terrible injuries if he had fallen off or impaled himself on the flagstaff. That he has unreservedly apologised for his stupid action and for the disrespect he has shown to the men and women who gave their lives in two world wars and those killed trying to keep world peace ever since is commendable.

"Bert and I along with other members of the RBL and public were very upset when we heard about his stunt. It is good to know he realised the errors of his ways, rare among some of today's youngsters who have little respect for people or property.

"Offenders should be reminded that this peaceful place is not a street market for drug dealers drunken louts, graffiti artists, skateboarders, footballers or motorcyclists or sun loungers.

"The new pan, tilt and zoom cameras will now pick up those who offend and they will be brought to justice. The message is simple, show respect or pay the penalty.

"But it is up to parents and teachers to teach good manners and respect. Honour thy father and thy mother and the memory of those who fought and died to bring peace to the world."

The offender's mother, upset by her son's action, called in to our Railway Road office this week apologising for his actions.