A WIDNES First World War Victoria Cross hero is being honoured.

A commemorative paving stone will be unveiled to recognise Thomas Mottershead in Victoria Park on Sunday, January 15.

The historic event marks 100 years since the act of bravery for which Sergeant Mottershead was awarded the Victoria Cross.

A parade and service will start at 11am.

The Royal British Legion and Halton Council have organised the commemorative event.

Around 70 representatives from 310 Air Cadet Squadron, the 146 Air Cadet Squadron Band, senior military personnel from both squadrons and the region, 14 Standards from north west, the Irish Guards and Knights Choirs, and Widnes Army Cadets are expected to attend.

Community groups, relatives of of Sgt Mottershead’s, young people and civic dignitaries will be taking part.

Thomas Mottershead VC was a pilot with the Royal Flying Corps.

He landed his plane after it became engulfed in flames from enemy fire, saving the life of his observer in the process.

The brave airman later died due to the injuries he sustained and was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross (VC) in 1917.

The courageous pilot died five days before his 25th birthday on January 12 1917.

A contingent from the Royal British Legion Widnes Ball o' Ditton branch is travelling to Belgium/France on January 7 2017 to commemorate the courageous actions of Sgt Mottershead.

A service will be held his graveside and a wreath will be laid in his memory at the Menin gate during the Last Post ceremony.

As part of a UK Government First World War Centenary campaign, paving stones are being laid around the country at the birth places of Victoria Cross (VC) recipients.

The first one was laid in 2014, 100 years on from the outbreak of the First World War and the last one will be in 2018.