A TOWN council is trying to trace descendants of a decorated First World War soldier.

Thomas Tallentire joined the 15th Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) and was then attached to the Infantry Base Depot as a yellow arm-banded instructor (canary) at Etaples.

Later, he was sent into battle with the 14th Battalion DLI and won the Military Medal for bravery in the field at Cambrai in November 1917.

Promoted to corporal and section commander, he was killed in action with his company from the 19th Battalion DLI (Bantams) during the German spring offensive in March 1918.

A former miner, his name is on the plaques at Memorial Park, South Moor, Stanley.

Stanley Town Council believes his family may still live in the area and would like to hear from them and source any photographs of him.

A spokesman said: “Tom the pit man proved to be an exceptional soldier, a mentor and a leader of men who paid the ultimate price.

“He holds a cherished place in the history of our town.”

For more information, visit stanley-tc.gov.uk or call 01207-299-109.