AFTER relentless detective work, a North-East man has tracked down the resting place of a soldier killed in France 64 years ago.

Next week, members of The Durham Light Infantry and buglers of the 2nd Battalion The Light Infantry will join relatives of Private Tom Rogers at a graveside dedication ceremony in the Normandy village of St Venant.

The trail began when his brother, George, promised their late father he would find the war grave.

Though retired teacher Mr Rogers was only a toddler when his brother was killed in action in May 1940, he was determined to fulfil his pledge.

The Rodgers family of 14 girls and seven boys originally lived in Wingate, County Durham, and their father, James, was unable to afford to visit the Dunkirk memorial that bears Tom's name.

Mr Rogers said: "Instead, I made a promise to my father that I would do my very best to find where Tom was buried."

He began his search four years ago when he attended the 60th anniversary of the battle in St Venant.

He had a chance meeting with the village's local historian, Dominique Faivre, who said he believed he knew where Pte Rogers lay.

Four years of research and several visits to the village followed, after which Mr Rogers was not only sure he had found his brother's grave, but was also able to convince the Ministry of Defence of his find.

Next week, the British contingent will be joined by residents from St Venant for the ceremony.

Mr Rogers, who will present gifts to village representatives in appreciation of their help, said: "It is going to be a very emotional time for all of us."