FUNERAL details were announced yesterday for a celebrated North-East war hero.

Captain Richard Annand, the last surviving Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Victoria Cross holder, died in the University Hospital of North Durham, in Durham, on Christmas Eve.

His death came six weeks after former comrades from the DLI Association gathered outside his Durham home to mark his 90th birthday with a parade of bugles and drums.

The funeral service takes place at St Cuthbert's Church, in North Road, Durham, next Wednesday, at 1.45pm.

It will be followed by a cremation service for family members, at Durham Crematorium, in South Road, and then a funeral tea for relatives and friends at the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery, at 3pm.

A memorial service, of thanksgiving to Capt Annand will be held at Durham Cathedral, on February 7. The time is yet to be confirmed.

Capt Annand became Britain's first VC winner in the Second World War, when, as a 25-year-old second lieutenant in the DLI's Second Battalion, he carried out an act of gallantry during the retreat to Dunkirk, in May 1940.

Despite coming under heavy fire, he rescued his injured batman from behind enemy lines, using a wheelbarrow.

On his return to England, he married and is survived by his wife Shirley, a former magistrates' chairman, in Durham.

Major Chris Lawton MBE, of the DLI Association, said the cathedral memorial would provide the opportunity his many military connections and comrades to remember him and pay their respects.

"There have been many messages of condolence from many areas of the forces which he had links with, since news of his death emerged over Christmas, and the cathedral thanksgiving service will be a fitting way to commemorate his life."

* Anyone attending Wednesday's funeral and reception is asked to park in the car park at the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery, off Framwelgate Peth, Durham.