VIDEO: Wirral councillor's memorial to fallen of First World War

Cllr Jim Crabtree decided to create the eight foot structure following a recent meeting of Birkenhead Lions Club at the British Legion’s branch in Park Road.

The statue, which shows a stylised iron cross, will be mounted on a granite plinth and situated in the premises back garden.

It is due to be unveiled by Prince Edward, during a ceremony at 12.30pm on Monday.

Cllr Crabtree, who represents Birkenhead North ward told the Globe: "When we had the meeting at the legion I thought it was a shame that there was no permanent memorial to World War One on the premises, so I wanted to do something about it.

"I was delighted when the legion asked if we could make something.

"I had no idea what to make. I was sitting at home watching a war film when the idea for the cross came to me.”

The statue was constructed by Sullivan Engineering in Wallasey.

It stands on a slab of granite that was found in a reclamation yard in Tarvin, Cheshire.

Cllr Crabtree, who is president of Birkenhead Lions and a horticultural lecturer at Wirral Vocational College in Seacombe, said: "My granddad fought in the Somme and I’d heard horrific stories of what the soldiers lived through.

"The statue, when finished will be a lasting tribute to those who gave their lives."

Chairman of the British Legion's Birkenhead branch, Tanya Cawood said: "I am delighted with what Jim has done for the legion.

"He's always been very supportive of the legion and when I mentioned to him some years ago that there was no memorial here, he promised to help out.

"I'm so pleased that his plan is finally coming to fruition."