Crowds turned out to watch the unveiling of an "emotive and poignant" statue in the Accrington Pals Memorial Garden.

The special ceremony at St James Church, Church Street, took place on Saturday morning where civic dignitaries were joined by members of the Royal British Legion and people from across the borough.

The Accrington Pipe Band and the East Lancashire Concert Band also played during the service which aimed to pay respects to the bravery and sacrifices of the battalion.

The £260,000 project, funded by the government, has transformed the Pals Memorial Garden on Church Street.

A sculpture showing two First World War soldiers created by garden designer and landscaper John Everiss sits at the centre of the garden. It was crafted at Fitzpatricks in Nelson

It commemorates the soldiers who died in the Battle of the Somme. The Accrington Pals battalion had four 250-strong companies including not only men from the town but volunteers from nearby East Lancashire towns.

On the first day of the Battle of the Somme on July 1, 1916, 585 of its men became casualties with 235 killed and 350 wounded in around half an hour.

Speaking on the day, the mayor of Hyndburn, Cllr Mayor Mike Booth, said the sculpture was both "emotive and poignant" and said the moment meant something meaningful for himself personally too.

He told those gathered: “This incredibly lifelike piece….is a fitting contribution to the bravery, suffering and sacrifice of so many soldiers from East Lancashire.

“These brave men became known as the Accrington Pals. They came from Accrington but also from the townships and villages of Hyndburn.

“Yet, they were also joined by those from Blackburn, Burnley, Chorley, Ribble Valley and Rossendale in 1914 to answer Lord Kitchener’s call, ‘Your country needs you’.”

He added: “I would also like to include those 70 or so men from the East Yorkshire battalions who were transferred into the Accrington Pals for the big push.

“They fought and died alongside the Accrington Pals and are listed as told and recorded by the late historian Bill Turner who wrote their story.”

The unveiling of the Accrington Pals statue within the Memorial Garden at St James Church

Following the unveiling guests were invited to place a wreath in the memorial garden and prayers were said to remember those who had paid the ultimate sacrifice during all wars.

Artist John Everiss said: “It is a very moving experience making a sculpture for something so profound as the story of the Accrington Pals. 

"So as a sculptor, it’s actually something of an honour to be involved with this project. I hope this is something really quite special for the town of Accrington.”

Cath Holmes, is chair of Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum and member of the Accrington Pals Commemorative Group.

She said: “This sculpture is a powerful and moving tribute to the Accrington Pals.

"John Everiss has captured the spirit and bravery of our Pals in a way that is both poignant and inspiring.

“The painstaking work over many months, intricate details and craftsmanship involved in creating this piece are truly remarkable.

"It stands as a testament to the dedication and skill of everyone involved in this project.

"John, George and the team at Fiztpatrick’s have done our Pals and town proud.”

Portfolio holder for culture, heritage, parks and open spaces, Kimberley Whitehead said: “The garden is a beautiful public space and the sculpture is very moving.

"I’d like to thank all those involved including the Town Centre Greening Group who have been integral to this project.”