A TRUE war hero is to be honoured this week with the unveiling of a new statue.

The ceremony will mark the centenary of Tom Dresser winning the Victoria Cross during the First World War in 1917 for his actions on the frontline in Northern France.

The move follows a year-long fundraising campaign, with the effigy cast in bronze and located in the gardens of the Dorman Museum off Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough.

The statue was sculptured by Brian Alabaster whose depiction of another Teesside VC hero – World War Two Green Howard Stan Hollis – stands nearby.

Tom’s grandson Brian said: “His courage and single-minded determination to deliver a vital message at all costs proved of the greatest value to his battalion at a critical period of the battle.

“He never sought recognition for his bravery, but I think he would have been proud to have been honoured in this way.”

The unveiling and ceremony takes place at 10.30am on Friday morning.