FIRST World War soldiers who were awarded the Victoria Cross will be honoured with commemorative paving stones as part of a year marking the centenary of the outbreak of the conflict.

The paving stones will be laid in the home towns of all soldiers awarded the top honour for valour in the face of the enemy during the 1914 to 1918 war.

William Grimbaldeston, John Schofield and Percy Dean from Blackburn, Hugh Colbin from Burnley, Hardy Parsons from Rishton, Thomas Whitham from Worsthorne, James Miller from Hoghton and William Mariner from Chorley will all be commemorated with memorial pavers.

As part of a four-year centenary programme, the Government’s Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has announced a national competition to design the specially commissioned paving stones which will be presented to councils in the areas where those Victoria Cross recipients of the First World War were born.

Mr Pickles said: “It is our duty to remember the British and Commonwealth troops who lost their lives fighting in the Great War and we are determined to make sure their bravery for king and country is not forgotten.

“Laying paving stones to mark these Victoria Cross heroes will ensure there is a permanent memorial to all the fallen who fought for our country and the competition is a great way for people from all corners of the United Kingdom to get involved.

“This will connect communities to their shared history, help residents understand how their area played its part in the Great War, and ensure memories of that sacrifice for British freedom and liberty are kept alive for generations to come.”

Stories include Worsthorne-born Thomas Whitham who single-handedly disabled a German machine gun emplacement on the first day of the third battle of Ypres.Tragically, he died in poverty soon after the war, aged 36.