VIOLA Beach will be etched in Warrington’s history forever thanks to the bronze frieze of the band unveiled today, Saturday.

The sculpture outside the Parr Hall serves as a tribute to Jack Dakin, River Reeves, Kris Leonard, Tom Lowe and Craig Tarry – the members and manager of the band.

The frieze, unveiled by the commissioned artist Tom Murphy, depicts the band alongside iconic elements of Warrington and serves as a permanent tribute in their memory.

Ben Dunne, dad of River Reeves, said: "As a group of family and friends, seeing our son, step-son, brother, nephew, cousin, and good friend captured in bronze with his mates was both heart-breaking and strangely comforting.

"River looked happy and at peace, and to think that people in hundreds of years time will be able to see him like that is almost hard to comprehend.

"Thank you to all those people who gave so generously in 2016 and to the council for making it happen," he added.

"Thank you also to Tom Murphy for creating something so beautiful now destined to keep River, the band and Craig close to the heart of the town forever."

Leader of the Council, Cllr Russ Bowden, said: “The unveiling of the frieze is a celebration of Jack, River, Kris, Tom and Craig, their achievements, and their iconic music.

“I am pleased that the council has been able to work with their families to create this fitting tribute, which serves as a humbling reminder of their story.”