HUNDREDS will gather this weekend to honour the North-East war hero who saved hundreds of lives in one of the bloodiest conflicts of the First World War.

John Simpson Kirkpatrick is a national hero in Australia, for his sacrifice and heroism during the Gallipoli campaign.

During the hostilities, he braved bullets and artillery shells to carry wounded Anzac troops away from the front line on his donkey.

Although he fought as an Anzac, the former merchant seaman was born and raised in South Shields, South Tyneside.

Tomorrow, he will be remembered in a special church service in his home town.

One of the organisers is Gilbert Thompson, formerly of South Shields, who served with the 6th Airborne Division in Normandy in the Second World War.

He said: "I feel certain that this memorial service will attract the attention of people of all generations and nations, and help to give long overdue recognition to one of Australia's and South Shields bravest."

Simpson trained as a stretcher bearer with the 3rd Field Ambulance and was sent to Gallipoli in April 1915. There he recruited a stray donkey to help in his work.

He spent the rest of his time at Gallipoli carrying injured men from the front line through Shrapnel Gully to medical aid.

He was killed on May 19, 1915, aged 23, by machine gun fire as he and his faithful donkey, Murphy, were taking yet another casualty to medical aid.

His unit nominated him for the Victoria Cross, but an administrative error meant the request was denied.

The service takes place in St Hilda's, Church, South Shields, at noon tomorrow.