A NEW memorial for Rhyl will be unveiled as the tide goes out on the 75th anniversary of the D Day landings.

Rhyl Royal British Legion (RBL) Poppy Appeal organiser Richard Kendrick will reprise his partnership with Dyserth chainsaw artist Ian Murray to carve a lifesize World War Two 'Tommy' from a single piece of timber for Rhyl beach on Thursday, June 6.

Mr Kendrick and Mr Murray will also seek to construct templates to etch silhouettes of soldiers in the sand - reminiscent of a 2013 memorial, The Fallen 9,000, which was created near Arromanches, France on one of the sites of the 1944 Normandy landings - between the Events Arena and the lifeboat station.

Rhyl Journal:

One of the statues providing reference for Mr Murray’s new ‘Tommy’

Mr Kendrick said: "Most veterans from D Day are now in their 90s, so this will probably be the last show of respect the whole country will give them whilst they are still with us.

"Let's do Rhyl proud."

The idea for a memorial evoking the landings on Rhyl's beaches was conceived by Rhyl RBL deputy chairman and armed forces support group Woody's Lodge Rhyl branch organiser Bill Porter.

Plans also include a service, with pupils from Rhyl's schools and councillors being invited to intent, as well as hopes that Rhyl RNLI will take part.

To realise Mr Porter's vision, Mr Kendrick and veteran Mr Murray will collaborate for the third time after replacing a vandalised Silent Soldier silhouette on the Rhyl waterfront and create a carved tribute to Joey from Michael Morpurgo's novel Warhorse last year for the centenary anniversary of the end of World War One.

Rhyl Journal:

Chainsaw artist Ian Murray, Rhyl RBL’s Richard Kendrick and Vale of Clwyd MP Chris Ruane with their Joey sculpture

Mr Murray, who served in Bosnia, Kosovo and Northern Ireland, said: "I don't think a lot of the younger generations realise how many veterans and people currently serving in the forces there are around Rhyl, so it's vitally important to get the message out to them and show support for our military community."

Mr Kendrick added: "I know how much people think about our forces here in Rhyl, and I thought this would be a nice way to remember now and forever. Joey the Warhorse was amazing last year - but the Tommy on the beach will be even better.

"I think people will come from all over North Wales to see the soldier on the beach and Rhyl can be in the news and for something good.

"After that, I would love it if Rhyl Town Council would let us erect Tommy outside the memorial gardens after the service."

Later this year, the pair will work together again - this time on a world record attempt - when they embark on a 'Three Peaks Challenge with a Twist'.

From September 7, Mr Murray will attempt to climb to the summits of Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis and carve a sculpture on each peak within 24 hours to raise funds for the RBL, Army Benevolence Fund and Blind Veterans.

To donate to the Three Peaks challenge, click here.