A PROJECT to replace stolen war memorials has been given a £13,000 funding boost and will be recreated by an internationally-renowned sculptor.

Over the past two years, Todmorden Civic Society has raised the money to replace the Gilbert Bayes statues which used to stand in the Garden of Remembrance, through donations, grant applications and collection boxes.

Nick Roberson - a stone carver who created sculptures for the Warner Brothers animation film, Corpse Bride starring Johnny Depp - and English Heritage, will be recreating the memorials.

Darren Midgley, chairman of Todmorden Civic Society, said: “With the centenary of the start of the First World War only 12 months away, it is only right that this, and other war memorials, are repaired.

“You only have to look at the crowds of people who attend Remembrance Sunday every year to see that the memorial, and the Garden of Remembrance, really matter to people.”

Paul Clarke, a former soldier in the Royal Artillery, said: “War memorials are a poignant reminder of the selfless sacrifice made for their country. We may not know their individual stories or their faces but their names are remembered by yesterday’s, today’s and tomorrow’s generations.”

The statues will be unveiled at a rededication service led by the Rev. Canon Owen Page, to be held on October 12.

The Royal British Legion will lead the proceedings on the day, which will be attended by members of the Lancashire Fusiliers Pipe and Drum Band, the Royal British Legion Pipe and Drum Band, the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, Yorkshire Regiment and standard bearers.