THE COURAGE of a young soldier from Widnes who lost his life in the First World War will finally be honoured when his name will be placed on the Cenotaph.

Rifleman William Barber served in the First Battalion of the South Lancashire regiment and died while fighting for his country at the Somme in September 1916.

Private Barber of Bower Street in Widnes attended Simm's Cross Primary School and St Paul's Church and Sunday School and had worked in a local paint shed before signing up for battle.

He was just 32 years old when he died, and while his obituary appeared in he national press at the time, his name was mysteriously missed from the Cenotaph.

David Brown, whose late Grandfather Corporal William Molyneux lived next door to Private Barber and who died with him in battle, has campaigned to have his name placed on the plaque.

He has liased with officials from Halton's British Legion and the council and they have agreed to add his name to the monument. A ceremony is expected to take place in the next eight weeks.

Mr Brown said: "We have been fighting to get his name on the plaque. He came from Widnes and fought for his country and finally we have got the council to put his name on it at last.

"We are desparate to find his relations and anyone who knew him so they can go along to the service to remember him."

Anyone who would like to attend is asked to contact Mr Brown on 01928-580214.

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