THE town's peace centre says it has been 'overwhelmed' with calls in response to the theft of a plaque at Warrington's River of Life memorial.

The Warrington Guardian revealed this week how the plaque, dedicated to Tim Parry and Johnathan Ball, was stolen earlier this month.

The Tim Parry and Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace was set up as a positive response to the tragedy that affected the community in 1993 and works nationally with people affected by conflict including veterans, victims of terrorism and young people at risk of becoming involved in violence.

It aims to equip people with the skills to use their experience in order to do something positive for themselves and to their communities.

Foundation chief executive, Clare White said: “We have been inundated with calls from organizations and individuals offering to replace the plaque.

"The level of support nationally has been humbling.

"We would also like to thank those individuals who have made donations to the foundation and ask that people continue to follow Colin and Wendy’s example in taking a positive approach to managing conflict, rather than engaging in any negative actions as a result of this incident.

“Next year will mark the 20th anniversary of the bombing and the foundation will be marking this milestone by remembering those we lost and those affected on that day but also by continuing to support others affected by conflict today.

"We ask the community to continue to support us so that we can continue our vital work for the next 20 years.”