A SOLDIER was left scarred for life following an unprovoked knife attack by two cousins.

Philp Sharples was attacked in Church Street, Golborne, just hours after attending his father's funeral.

The unprovoked assault happened when Sharples thought two men were fighting and shouted at them to stop.

But Michael Higham and his younger cousin were drunk and turned on Sharples, slashing him repeatedly about the head and face with a seven-inch long kitchen knife.

The soldier, who is based in Cyprus but had flown home for the funeral, was left with large scars on his cheek and head.

Yesterday, Higham, aged 19, of Nook Lane, Golborne, and his cousin 17-year-old Christopher Wilton, of Church Street, Golborne, appeared at Bolton Crown Court for sentence.

Higham admitted wounding Philip Sharples with intent and was sent to a young offenders' institution for five years.

Wilton admitted unlawful wounding and was sentenced to a 12-month detention and training order. Both young men were of previous good character.