HALTON’S three war heroes who were each awarded Britain’s highest military honour, the Victoria Cross, are to be commemorated with lasting memorials.

Runcorn campaigner Tony Miller, from Sandymoor, said: “My intention is to have three statues in the borough for Todger Jones, Thomas Mottershead and Thomas Wilkinson.

“The help I have received from the council and the community has been fantastic.”

Mr Miller launched the Todger Jones statue appeal in 2010 on his own.

He raised almost £50,000 from donations, grants, fundraising events and bucket collections.

Runcorn Private Thomas Jones, known as ‘Todger’, single-handedly captured 102 prisoners after getting a bullet through his helmet and four penetrating his jacket.

His bronze sculpture will be unveiled during the centenary of the Great War in August near Runcorn cenotaph.

SS Peter & Paul pupils Bethany Walsh and Ellis Smith who live in Mottershead Road, relatives and businesses joined Halton MP Derek Twigg and Council leader Rob Polhill to launch an appeal for Widnes Sgt Thomas Mottershead, who landed his plane while engulfed in flames.

Mr Miller said: “We hope his statue will be unveiled in January, 2017 on the centenary of his heroic actions, in Victoria Park.”

“I have now got a committee to help me. Once we get this completed, we will start work on a statue for Thomas Wilkinson from Widnes who died in the second world war.”

Halton Council leader, Clr Rob Polhill said: “It is very important for us to honour these three war heroes. It is good that children are interested in history and have become involved. We want people to know that they did not die in vain. We are very proud of what they did for us.”

Businesses interested in supporting the appeal can call Tony Miller on 07786 271420.

Donations can be made at mottersheadstatueappeal.co.uk.