A TOUCHING new tribute has been unveiled to remember a brave group of Port Glasgow men who fell in the Great War.

The original bronze plaque bearing the names of 29 Toll Boys was removed from the wall of the building at 5 Glasgow Road - where the old Toll House stood - because of future regeneration plans.

It has now been placed in a Celtic Cross in the gardens at Caledonia Street and re-dedicated in a ceremony to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the World War One.

Ronald Wilson, chair and secretary of The Kindred Clubs of Port Glasgow, and Depute Provost David Wilson had been campaigning and fundraising for 10 years to have the memorial re-located.

The pair were joined by Provost Martin Brennan to unveil the new tribute.

Mr Wilson said: "It was a proud moment.

"I have been campaigning to get this done for 10 years to mark the 100th anniversary.

"I have been fundraising and applied for permission and I am pleased that the council came on board.

"It is a fitting tribute to the men who lost their lives.

"If it wasn't for these chaps we wouldn't be here to put up a memorial.

"My concern was if the flats were demolished we might lose the plaque.

"This will help to continue their story and we will continue to lay wreaths there every November."

Ex-servicemen, members of the public and councillors took part in the parade and there was a service of dedication by the Salvation Army Commissioner.

Councillor Wilson said: "It was very well attended and was done with great dignity.

"Ronnie and I have been key players in this project for 10 years and have been fundraising or it.

"At some stage Robert Street is going to come down and we needed a special place for the memorial.

"The council stepped in to help us when we needed extra money for which we are very grateful. I want to give special thanks to councillors McCabe and Moran."

Provost Brennan added: “So many lives were lost and so many families left devastated by the carnage of the First World War it is important that we honour their sacrifice at every opportunity.

“This memorial is dedicated to a specific group of men but it also serves to remind us of the men and women of Port Glasgow, Inverclyde and beyond who laid down their lives in that war and in all subsequent conflicts.”

Councillor Wilson says more wreaths will be laid during the annual remembrance events on November 11 and there will be a bigger parade with attendance from the Second Port Glasgow Boys' Brigade band.