AS darkness fell and lights were turned out to remember the many who lost their lives in the First World War, a single candle was lit at the new statue honouring one of Halton's many brave men.

A day earlier hundreds turned out to see the official unveiling of the memorial of Runcorn Private Thomas Jones, known as ‘Todger’, at the memorial garden opposite The Cenotaph in Greenway Road.

Runcorn Pte Todger Jones single-handedly captured 102 prisoners after getting a bullet through his helmet and four penetrating his jacket as he charged through No Man’s Land in 1916.

Neil Thornton, aged 34, from Brookvale, chairman of The Todger Jones Statue Appeal, said: "We went to the statue at 10pm on Monday to light a candle and as we did that there was a lady there to do the same."

On Sunday veterans joined with members of the Mercian Regiment who formed a guard of honour for Pte Jones' statue.

Mr Thornton added: "The parade was absolutely massive. There was a great turnout from the Cheshire Regiment Association - all their battalions turned out.

"They were coming from all over the country. The Mercian Regiment were fantastic too.

"It was so busy people were scrambling, trying to get a better view. It was like a football match.

"The speeches were really touching and talked about how he was just a normal person just like anyone else who did this great act.

"It was really emotional for a lot of the family.

"There were a lot of Todger Jones' family there who had come from far and wide.

"We kept the garden shut for the ceremony and as soon as we opened the gates people flooded in.

"There are far too many people to thank individually as the whole community rallied around this project but special thanks should go to Halton Borough Council, Halton British Legion, Runcorn Veterans Association, all those military organisations ad other groups involved in the project and who took part on the day.

"Special mention should also go to Tony Miller who was the man who originally set up this appeal."