Statue pays tribute to First World War victims

NOT FORGOTTEN: The statue in Woodlands
Cemetery. Photo by @SolihullCouncil

A STRIKING statue of a First World War soldier has been installed at Woodlands Cemetery.

The life-sized figure was unveiled beside the war memorial at the site, near Chelmsley Wood, earlier this week. 

Mayor of Solihull, Cllr Flo Nash, was invited to the special ceremony, with wreaths laid and a moment taken to remember those who gave their lives in the conflict. 

It is one of three Tommies being placed by Solihull Council ahead of Remembrance Sunday.

Standing six foot tall, with a rifle in hand and a bright red poppy on its chest, the metal silhouette is part of a national art project - There, But Not There.

Councils around the country had been encouraged to purchase the figures, which had already been placed around some of Britain's most recognisable landmarks.

This year November 11 has an added significance, as it is 100 years since the guns fell silent on the Western Front.

The weekend's Remembrance parades will bring the curtain down on a series of commemorations, marking a century since Armistice Day.

St Mary and St Margaret's, in Castle Bromwich, will be among the churches sounding the bells for the occasion.

And in the evening residents from around the borough are expected to gather to watch a beacon being lit in Elmdon Park.