A MEMORIAL silhouette of a First World War soldier has been stolen just days before the 100 year anniversary of the end of the conflict.

Members of the Abercarn Community Association spent more than three hours last month dotting six soldier silhouettes and poppies across the whole of Abercarn, in Caerphilly.

The group - which works towards making the town a "better place" - decided to launch the project because they wanted to ensure that "no one" forgets the ultimate sacrifice given by thousands of British soldiers from 1914 to 1918.

But heartless thieves stole on e of the soldiers this week, prompting appeals from Gwent Police and the community association for information.

Posting on the Abercarn Community Association Facebook page, a spokesman said: "We are absolutely devastated to announce that one of the soldiers that we put on display to remember our unsung hero’s has been taken from the Chapel Of Ease display.

"If you have any information regarding where our soldier has gone please do not hesitate to contact a member of the community group."

A spokesman for Gwent Police said: "We are appealing for information following the theft of a British Legion soldier statue from Abercarn, Caerphilly.

"The wooden life-size silhouette, which formed part of a display for Remembrance Day, was stolen from Chapel Street at some point between 7pm on Wednesday, November 7, and 7.30am the following morning.

"Anyone with information about the theft should contact Gwent Police on 101, quoting log number 283 of 8/11/18."