A POIGNANT bronze plaque has been attached to Radcliffe War Memorial to commemorate a sailor who died 71 years ago.

And the family of the late Able Seaman Frank Seymour are proud that his name now joins those of other armed services personnel featured on the war memorial.

Able Seaman Seymour, who was born and raised in Radcliffe, was killed in November, 1944 when his ship took a direct hit. He was only 19 years old.

Now, thanks to the efforts of well-known local resident Bernard Slingsby, who died last month, the Royal Navy sailor's name has finally been added to the war memorial in Blackburn Street. Thanks to Mr Slingsby's painstaking research, allied to the assistance of Bury Council leader Cllr Mike Connolly, Able Seaman Seymour's name is now recorded for posterity.

The late sailor's nephew, Donald Seymour, said: "My uncle's ship, which I believe was carrying landing craft, took a direct hit. It may have happened in the North Sea. His body was never found.

"I have no idea why my uncle's name wasn't already inscribed at the war memorial. I only discovered that 10 years ago. Three years ago I decided to see if it would be possible for his name to go on to the war memorial."

Donald, of Wellington Street, Radcliffe, enlisted the help of Mr Slingsby who contacted the Royal British Legion, the Royal Navy and other organisations to source information about Able Seaman Seymour with a view to having his name added to the war memorial.

Sadly, Mr Slingsby died before the simple bronze plaque was added to the war memorial. The inscription reads: "In loving memory of Able Seaman Frank Seymour Died 1-11-1944 Aged 19."

Donald added: "As a family, it's great that my uncle's name is now on the war memorial. He was one of three children. He left a brother and sister and I am the son of his brother."

He and his wife Alison were indebted to the work undertaken by Mr Slingsby.

"It was Bernard who went to all the trouble of getting this for us," said Alison. "We thought the world of him."