THE exploits of an east Durham war hero are featured in a new book about his home village.

Memories of Murton recalls the heroism of Green Howard Sergeant William McNally, who received the Military Medal in 1916 for bravery at the Battle of the Somme. A year later he won a bar to the Military Medal for his bravery near Passchendale.

In 1918, Sgt McNally performed three separate acts of gallantry north-east of the River Piave, in Italy, for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Memories of Murton is published by Durham County Books and traces the history of the village, which was originally a settlement known as Morton-Juxta-Hesilden, Morton East and Morton.

In 1801, Murton had a population of 75. But with the sinking of the pit, in 1838, its population grew, rising to 6,514 by 1905.

More than 40 photographs capture life in the village, from a 1950s keep-fit class to the Murton St John Ambulance Rhythm Group and the pit canteen staff

The book costs £2.95 and is available from libraries and local bookshops.