FUNDRAISERS want to raise cash for a special bench commemorating the man who spearheaded the campaign to create a spectacular soldier statue in Walton.

Three years ago Michael Turner started a campaign to have a statue of Walton war hero Private Herbert Columbine put up in the town.

The heroic soldier was killed in the First World War aged 24, sacrificing his own life to allow his comrades to escape when they were cornered by enemy troops.

Mr Turner wanted to see a statue built to help people remember the soldier and inspire future generations.

For three years he worked tirelessly with a group of friends – united as the Columbine Statue Fund group.

Led by Mr Turner, the group chased donations in a bid to reach the £50,000 target.

The statue of Private Columbine has now been unveiled on Walton seafront thanks to his efforts.

But Mr Tuner died just months before it was completed, suffering a sudden heart attack aged 63 in November.

Now his fellow statue fund campaigners are raising money for a commemorative bench paying tribute to Michael.

They want it to be placed in the seafront garden near the statue.

Anyone who wants to donate to the bench in Michael’s memory can email columbinefund@hotmail.co.uk.