FORMER soldiers are expected to turn out in force today to pay tribute to a Second World War hero.

Captain Richard "Dickie" Annand, of Durham, who died on Christmas Eve aged 90, was the first soldier of the conflict to win the Victoria Cross for bravery.

The life of the Durham Light Infantry officer will be remembered during a service of thanksgiving at Durham Cathedral.

It will start at 2.30pm and will feature addresses by Major General Robin Brims and the Dean of Durham, the Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove.

General Sir Peter de la Billiere and Brigadier Tim Gregson will read from The Pilgrim's Progress, by John Bunyon, and from Chapter Eight of The Letter to the Romans in the Bible.

Capt Annand's widow, Shirley, will be accompanied by her cousin, Sir David Chapman.

At least 25 standards of the Durham Light Infantry Associations and The Royal British Legion will be paraded at the service.

Buglers from the 2nd Battalion Light Infantry, which succeeded the Durham Light Infantry, will play the Last Post and Reveille.

Captain Annand's medals will be carried by Major Chris Lawton, the Regimental County Secretary of the Light Infantry.

No tickets are required, but anyone wanting to attend should be seated by 2.15pm.

Durham County Council will run twice the normal number of Cathedral Buses from the car parks at The Sands.