A long awaited Royal Welch Fusilier sculpture and memorial garden has been unveiled in Wrexham.

Planned since 2017, the sculpture is a life-size bronze statue of a Royal Welch Fusilier soldier with the iconic Regimental Goat at his side.

This is surrounded by a memorial garden with seven arches incorporating slate plaques engraved with the Regimental Crest and Company Badges of the Regiment. 

The memorial was unveiled in a ceremony that took place at Hightown Barracks on Saturday, March 18.

The event began at 11.45am with the Corps of Drums marching from Hightown Resource Centre along the A525 to Hightown Barracks.

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Alongside the band the Goat Major and Regimental Goat, Shenkin, of the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Welsh marched the route to a fanfare by eight Royal Welsh bandsmen.

The march was followed by speeches from dignitaries in local council and the Royal Welch including Cllr Graham Rogers, the local member, who has actively fundraised for this memorial along with Offa Community Council and Mayor Brian Cameron. 

Cllr Graham Rogers said: "It's an honour to be asked to unveil the statue and I proudly stand here today and announce our efforts to raise the targets of monies has been achieved.

"I hope this memorial will honour and pay tribute to the Royal Welch Fusiliers and the many family members that have proudly worn the uniform."

Mayor of Wrexham, Brian Cameron said: "Wrexham has a proud and historic link with the armed forces and it's wonderful to see this project completed with the creation of this incredible statue."

Llandudno based sculptor, Nick Elphick, who created the statue also spoke at the ceremony, sighting his "honour" at being asked to produce the sculpture. 

Following the unveiling of the statue pupils from Ysgol Bodhyfryd participated in a song and the chair of Offa Community Council, Cllr Linda Subacchi, recited Hedd Wynn, the war poet who joined the 15th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers in World War One.

The Froncysytlle Male Voice Choir ended the ceremony with the song Men of Harlech followed by the anthems.