A STEEL statue of a war-weary soldier has been firmly anchored to the ground on new paving stones laid for the thousands of people who come to visit it.

Officially called 1101, but better known as Tommy, the statue in Seaham, County Durham, captured the public's imagination amid the commemorations marking the centenary of the outbreak of the of the First World War in August.

The nine-and-half foot figure proved so popular during the three-month loan period that a campaign was launched and was successful in raising £85,000 to ensure it remained in the town.

The statue, created by sculptor Ray Lonsdale of nearby South Hetton, was temporarily moved last week so the paving could be laid down after the area became worn by visitors.

At a special ceremony today (Tuesday, May 26) a time capsule was buried by members of Mission 1101, who were behind the campaign to raise the funds to keep the statue.

Many local individuals and businesses rallied to support the cause, which also won the backing of local members of Seaham Town Council and Durham County Council.

Seaham deputy town clerk Paul Fletcher said: “The paving is finished and we have put Tommy back on the paving. It looks really good.

“It has been a team effort and everyone involved has done a great job. Seaham is still reaping the rewards.

“Only at the weekend we had a coachload of people come from Rotherham to come and see Tommy and have a look at the town.”

East Durham Round Table and the Seaham Shaw Trust have been involved in the latest project. Seaham's George Street Garage provided the crane to move the statue.