Fusilier Lee Rigby memorial to be unveiled in hometown of Middleton

A permanent memorial for the murdered Fusilier Lee Rigby will be unveiled in his hometown in Greater Manchester.

A bronze drum and a plaque will be placed in Middleton Memorial Gardens alongside a wall which will also feature names of other local soldiers who have been killed.

Rigby was murdered on the streets of Woolwich in May 2013 outside the south east London's barracks in a daylight attack which shook the nation.

Rigby's mother, Lyn Rigby, who has frequently called for a memorial to be erected in his honour, has welcomed Rochdale Council's decision to honour the solider.

She said: "It will be a lovely tribute to Lee who put his life on the line every day to serve his country. Over time the memorial will remember not just our Lee, but other soldiers, whose bravery will also never be forgotten."

Philip McClure, Lee's Rigby's, added: "I am still coming to terms with what happened. Lee will never be forgotten and this memorial is keeping his memory alive in his hometown. He enjoyed many good times growing up in Middleton and this will be a place for people to come along and pay their respects in a way they've not previously been able to."

Rochdale Council said the unveiling of the memorial will take place during a private ceremony on 29 March before being open to the public.

Councillor June West, chair of Middleton Township said: "The way the Middleton community came together after Lee's tragic death was very moving and the township have always committed to ensure the calls for a local memorial were answered. I thank our residents for their support and I am pleased that Fusilier Lee Rigby and other service personnel will be forever remembered in this way. Lee's family were keen to ensure it also included a permanent reminder of those who have served and lost their lives in conflict."

The Fusilier's widow, Rebecca, described how she was pleased the memorial will be placed in Rigby's hometown.

It should be seen as a celebration of his life because that is what he would have wanted. People will be able to come here in peace, remember Lee and reflect," she added.

Michael Adebolajo is currently serving a whole life sentence for the murder of Rigby, while his accomplice Michael Adebowale will not be released for a minimum of 45 years.