THE decision to honour soldiers awarded the Victoria Cross during the First World War is to be commended.

As part of the commemorative events planned to mark the centenary of the ‘war to end all wars’ next year these specially-designed paving stones will be laid down in each of their home towns and villages.

These memorials will soon grace the streets of Blackburn, Burnley, Rishton, Worsthorne, Hoghton and Chorley.

They will mark the bravery of a remarkable group of men who were sent to serve their country in the trenches.

Their heroism, even at a time when courageous actions were an every day necessity, was recognised as truly phenomenal.

It is hard for us to fullycomprehend the horrors they saw in the Great War.

It is fitting that these brave men be remembers but then every one who was killed and fought in those terrible conditions, watching their friends die, should be remembered.

2014 will give us all a chance to reflect on their sacrifice. If these pavers act as a permanent reminder that can only be a good thing.