A ROSE bush now adorns a town's cenotaph to mark the birthday of a "true warrior" who died last year.

Andrew Growcott lost a long and difficult battle with bowel cancer in December 2017 after "fighting until the end."

The family of Mr Growcott paid tribute to the dearly missed son, brother and uncle on Wednesday, which would have been Mr Growcott's 44th birthday.

To mark the "first birthday without him," friends and family gathered at Flint Cenotaph to witness the planting of a rose bush, donated by Darren and Barbara Owen.

The rose bush idea had been planted in the minds of the family after a suggestion by former town mayor, Cllr Vicky Perfect, who acknowledged Mr Growcott's popularity and good character at a town council meeting earlier this spring.

Mr Growcott's sister, Clare Williams, of Flint, said this special gathering was the perfect way to pay respect to her brother.

Mrs Williams said: "It was a lovely, lovely way to remember Andrew on his first birthday without him.

"It was done with very close friends and family around us. It was all kept quiet from my mum until I actually got her there, which she was overwhelmed with.

"What a special way to mark a special day for such a true warrior who never gave up and touched so many hearts. It was a perfect thing to be done today for such an upsetting and emotional day. A day we will all cherish."

The family also held a balloon release in memory of the larger-than-life Mr Growcott. Mrs Williams' children, Nicole, aged 11, an Ethan, aged eight held balloons engraved with 'Happy birthday uncle Andrew' for their beloved hero.

Mrs Williams said her children were dearly loved by Mr Growcott, who he "fought to keep alive for."

The family expressed their gratitude to Cllr Perfect and Mr and Mrs Owen for arranging this special day.