THE family of a Great War hero honoured with a new memorial stone in Radcliffe say his home town has done him proud.

Private James Hutchinson, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his brave actions during a battle in France a century ago, has been commemorated with a new stone at the town centre war memorial.

The tribute was unveiled during a ceremony on Sunday morning, which was attended by four of his surviving relatives - Norma Watkin, Shaun Fowler, Dale Spencer, and Jack Spencer.

Mr Fowler, Pte Hutchinson's great-great-nephew, said: "I have heard more and more of his story in the last couple of years, with it being the centenary.

"I thought it was a really good ceremony. It was very respectful and I thought it did the town proud to remember him.

"We, as a family, were made very welcome by the Fusiliers and by the whole town. Our ancestry in Radcliffe is very important to us and it means a lot.

"Afterwards, I went up to Bank Top where they used to live and it was a very poignant moment for me, even though the house is now gone.

"It was very emotional for us to be there, and we were thinking about my grandfather. He was a very respected man in Radcliffe and used to work for the Mayor. I know he would have loved to be there on Sunday."

During the battle near Ficheux on June 28, 1916, Pte Hutchinson took charge of a team of nine men when his commanding officer was killed, before leading an attack behind enemy lines.

He is also commemorated with a plaque and photograph at Radcliffe Hall School and is on the roll of honour at Radcliffe and Bury parish churches.

Lt Col Mike Glover, Regimental Secretary for the Lancashire Fusiliers, said: "It was a good day. Somehow, we managed to miss the rain and we had the cadets, the Fusiliers and everyone down there for the ceremony.

"A good time was had by all."