ALL 18 of the Victoria Crosses awarded to the Lancashire Fusiliers during the First World War will be united for the first time in a new exhibition at Bury's Fusilier Museum.

The opening of the public display will be marked with a special event on Friday, October 5.

Guest speaker Michael Naxton, the former curator of the world's largest Victoria Cross collection owned by Lord Ashcroft, will give a talk at the event.

The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest recognition for valour 'in the face of the enemy' that can be awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces of any rank in any service, and civilians under military command.

The Lancashire Fusiliers have been awarded 19 VCs in total — 18 during the First World War, and one during the Second World War.

For the first time in history, the 18 VCs awarded to the Lancashire Fusiliers during the First World War will be brought together in the Fusilier Museum's new exhibition, 18 for 18.

To mark the opening, a one-hour talk will be given by Mr Naxton, who is a former director of London auctioneers Sotheby's, where he ran its medal department until 1987.

On leaving Sotheby's, Mr Naxton began advising Tory peer Lord Ashcroft about building his collection of VCs, which has now become the world's largest. He left at the end of May this year, after more than 30 years in the role.

Mr Naxton has also advised national museums on their medal collections, and provided expertise in several notable criminal trials involving medal theft or fraud.

Tickets for the talk and special entry to the 18 for 18 exhibition are available at £12.95 per person from the museum or by calling 0161 763 8950.

For more information about the event visit www.fusiliermuseum.com/events.