SHAME-FACED Daniel Orrell has taken his first steps to make amends for urinating on a Bolton war memorial.

The 24-year-old yesterday stood shoulder-to-shoulder with members of the Royal British Legion to sell poppies.

Mr Orrell pleaded guilty at Bolton Magistrates’ Court to outraging public decency when he committed the act in Nelson Square on July 27.

Ever since his conviction, Mr Orrell, from Farnworth, has been determined to put right his mistake and contacted the Legion to see if he could help out with their Remembrance Day activities.

With the help of Farnworth police, it was arranged for him to join the Royal British Legion at Asda in Burnden Park to sell poppies for the day.

Mr Orrell, who works in Salford Quays, said: “It has been really good working with the guys — we have got on really well and sold a lot of poppies. The response we have had has been really good and I have enjoyed interacting with people who want to support this fantastic cause.”

He added he has also been pleased to see a positive reaction from internet users on The Bolton News website, after receiving a tirade of abuse following his conviction.

Mr Orrell said: “It’s nice to see that some people recognise it was a mistake and appreciate that I want to make up for it — even my Nan rang and said she was happy to see what I was doing. But what I did and the reaction it got will never leave me and I would be happy to do more things like working with the Royal British Legion.”

Farnworth police officer, Carol Winrow, helped organise the day.

She said: “Daniel is truly sorry for his actions and hopes the Restorative Justice System helps the public see him for the young man he really is and not the “drunken fool” he presented himself as on the night in question.”

Members of the Royal British Legion who spent the day with Mr Orrell said they were very impressed with his attitude.

Alan Wright, aged 76, chairman of the Farnworth and Kearsley branch, said: “He’s not tried to make excuses for what he did — he just wants to make amends.

“The past is the past and he has proved that he is sorry — we have had a smashing day.”

Mr Wright said the Legion are desperate for volunteers — anyone interested should call 07855822431.