A MAN'S lifelong interest in his war-hero uncle has led him to discover both his grave and a long-lost relative.

Ever since he was a child, Richard William Jones, known as Billy, of Quarrington Hill, near Durham, has treasured letters and mementoes from his uncle Richard William Jones senior, known as Will.

Like many of his generation, Will signed up for the Army when the First World War broke out expecting a big adventure lasting six months at most.

Tragically, when he was only 22, Bombadier Jones of the 12th Battery, 35th Brigade Royal Field Artillery, was struck down in one of the war's most famous conflicts, the Battle of Ypres, in October 1917.

He died in hospital of gas poisoning, leaving a widow and a two-year-old son, Jack, who eventually left County Durham.

Remembered as a hero by his doting family, Will's bravery made a particular impact on his nephew Billy, now 64, who inherited his letters and photographs.

When he saw an advert for such memorabilia by John Davison, who was researching a book entitled Durham Men in the Great War, he regarded it as a chance to honour his uncle's memory.

With Mr Davison's help, Billy, a former miner, and his wife Jean, a former factory worker, used the internet to pinpoint the exact location of Will's grave.

Determined to pay their last respects, they set off for Ypres - and found it in a cemetery near the Belgian border.

Billy said: "In my mind, I just thought, 'I've found you'.

"I said, 'We'll find your son and let him know you are at peace and will rest now.'"

Little did he expect that, on his arrival back home, a letter was waiting for Billy from his long-lost cousin Jack and his wife Sarah.

They had heard of the book through a Durham-based relation, and were keen to re-establish family ties. Billy and Jean have just returned from visiting the couple's Spanish home, where they showed Jack, now 88, photographs of his father's last resting place.

Billy said: "When Jack saw the book, he was overcome, because he didn't know anything about his dad or that he had a Jones family back in England.

"To me, my uncle was a hero."