A NEW lights display dedicated to Radcliffe’s war heroes was unveiled last weekend.

The 900 lights, which adorn three cherry trees in the town centre piazza, were switched on by World War Two veteran Sgt Wilf Oldham, aged 96.

Radcliffe-born singer Sarah Dennis, known as the Veterans’ Sweetheart, performed at the event on Saturday, which was organised by the Radcliffe Business Group.

The group, which is made up of local entrepreneurs who want to improve the town centre, has worked with Bury Council for the last year to bring the Radcliffe Memorial Tree Light project to fruition.

Eugene O’Donnell, who owns New Button Alterations, said: “It was a fantastic day. I am very proud of everything we have been able to do and the way it all went.

“The military personnel who were there put on a lovely display for us and it was just a smashing day. It is very satisfying to see that it all went so well and that we have finally achieved what it is that we set out to do.”

There were around 100 members of the public who attended the switch-on service, alongside 60 serving or former military personnel.

The trees will be lit up all-year-round and are accompanied by a plaque dedicating them to the men and women of Radcliffe who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country.

Sgt Oldham, of Ainsworth Road, served in the 1st Airborne Division of the Border Regiment and was part of the glider landings in Arnhem in 1944.

Speaking at the service Mr O’Donnell said : “A couple of years back the town centre traders of Radcliffe were approached by Bury Council to form a group for the specific purpose of spending a sum of money which had been allocated to enhance and improve business in the town centre.

“Some of you may remember we held a number of live music events here in the piazza, but what we really wanted to do was leave some kind of lasting legacy that would be visible and would add a bit of sparkle to Radcliffe’s town centre.”

He added: “I’m not one to be impressed by title, position or celebrity, but I have to tell you the day a quiet unassuming senior gentleman entered my shop to have his blazer cleaned, I had to make an exception.

“I was simply in awe of this chap and felt extremely honoured and privileged to be able to shake his hand. That gentleman is our honoured guest today Mr Wilf Oldham.”