A MEMORIAL to victims of conflict - for an area once responsible for aiding Britain's Second World War effort - will be unveiled this Saturday.

More than a million mines and 500,000 bombs were manufactured at the Royal Ordnance Factory at Risley during the war.

But in a spirit of renewal Birchwood, the New Town area that sprang from the ashes of the sprawling munitions site, is now set to get its first war memorial.

Designed by Peter Oakley and Greg Fuller, of Warrington Visual Artists' Forum, the 6ft cast metal monument will feature a candle flame and the fingerprints of Birchwood residents beneath.

Peter, of Cinnamon Brow, said: "We wanted the flame because it symbolises lasting memory, illumination, optimism, hope and uplifting of the spirit."

The original idea came from David Wightman, manager of Birchwood Shopping Centre, where the statue will stand, and has been supported by Birchwood Lions.

He was keen to create a tribute that not only remembered the contribution of munitions workers, but everyone affected directly or indirectly by conflict and war.

As part of the unveiling ceremony a time capsule, put together by Birchwood High School pupils, will be buried close to the statue.