DETAILS have been released for next week's service in memory of North-East war hero Captain Richard "Dickie" Annand.

Capt Annand was a Durham Light Infantry (DLI) veteran and was the first soldier to earn a Victoria Cross in the Second World War.

He died in hospital on Christmas Eve, aged 90.

His funeral was held at St Cuthbert's Church, in North End, Durham, where Capt Annand, with his widow, Shirley, had regularly attended services.

Next Monday's service of thanksgiving for the life of Capt Annand, which will be held at Durham Cathedral, will allow military and civic figures to also pay their respects and to remember the man and his deeds.

Addresses will be given by Major General Robin Brims and the Dean of Durham, the Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, while General Sir Peter de la Billiere and Brigadier Tim Gregson will give readings.

Mrs Annand is expected to be accompanied by her cousin, Sir David Chapman.

At least 25 standards of Durham Light Infantry Association branches and the Royal British Legion will be paraded at the beginning and end of the service.

Buglers from the 2nd Battalion Light Infantry, a successor regiment to the DLI, will play the Last Post and Reveille.

As well as Capt Annand's distinguished military service, the service will also remember his unstinting work for the disabled, in particular with the North-East League for the Hard of Hearing.

His further substantial and varied contribution to a variety groups is expected to be reflected in the congregation, which will be drawn from wide-ranging walks of life in the North-East.

No tickets are required, but anyone wishing to attend is asked to be seated by 2.15pm. The service is due to start at 2.30pm.

Extra cathedral shuttle bus services will operate in the city centre before and after the service, to cater for the numbers expected to attend.

The Cathedral Bus route takes in both the Sands' and Prince Bishops' car parks, plus the Market Place.

* Capt Annand earned his Victoria Cross for ignoring heavy enemy fire to single-handedly rescue his batman, in a wheelbarrow, during the retreat to Dunkirk, in May 1940.