BLACKSMITHS have stepped into help replace Mold's damaged 'Silent Soldier' silhouette commemorating the town's War dead.

Poplars Forge, on Ewloe Barn Industrial on Mold Road, are in the process of forging and fitting a new silhouette free of charge, after the last was damaged beyond on repair after two instances of vandalism in the Daniel Owen Square two weeks ago.

Video and images by Rick Matthews

On Friday at 1pm, the new 'Tommy', made from steel, will be unveiled in the square and members of the community are welcome to join Mold Town Council, representatives from the British Legion and North Wales Police for the unveiling.

The team of blacksmiths, who specialise in forging dragon sculptures, heard the news about the damaged 'Silent Soldier' and quickly offered their expertise in getting a replacement.

Steven Gillard, manager at Poplars Forge, said: ''We were aware of the 'Silent Soldier' that had been damaged in Mold and thought it was a bit of a disgrace.

''I think it's very important that it gets replaced because it signifies what this country went through for peace and freedom.

''I think we to need to stand up and commemorate these people that fought in the War for our freedom and it's a disgrace to see this sort of thing getting damaged."

The team has pledged that the new 'Silent Soldier' will be even more poignant than the last.

Mr Gillard added: ''We've gone above and beyond with the 'Silent Soldier' to give it more realism, we've hand forged some poppies to signify the War dead and to give it that special touch.

''We think we've achieved what we set out to achieve and we hope that people are satisfied with our work.''

Councillor Andy Dunbobbin, armed forces champion at Flintshire Council, said: ''I'm so pleased with how our community in Flintshire has rallied round in supporting the cause following these terrible events.''

The 'Silent Soldiers' are being installed all around the country as part of a British Legion campaign to mark 100 years since the ending of the First World War.

While police have identified a suspect for the criminal damage, no arrests have as of yet been made.