A WAR hero who received the nation's highest bravery award celebrated his 90th birthday yesterday.

Captain Richard Annand, who served in the Durham Light Infantry, was the first man to receive the Victoria Cross in the Second World War, for rescuing his injured batman from behind enemy lines using a wheelbarrow, during the retreat to Dunkirk.

Dozens of members of the DLI Association converged on his house in Whitesmocks, Durham, yesterday, as members of the Durham City Old Comrades paraded with bugles and drums.

His wife, Shirley, said: "It has been a fantastic day. Everybody brought so many presents and cards. The regiment is like a big family. He has enjoyed it so much."

Originally from South Tyneside, he was serving by the River Dyle, near Brussels, on May 16, 1940.

His platoon took on a German force on a bridge the British had destroyed, but when ammunition ran out, he advanced over open ground under heavy fire and drove the enemy away with grenades.

After having his wounds dressed, he resumed command and continued the attack.

When his platoon withdrew, he found his batman was missing, so returned to the battle and brought him back in a wheelbarrow before losing consciousness as a result of his wounds.

Mrs Annand recalled how they became engaged in August 1940, a month before he was awarded the VC.

She said: "Everyone got married quickly in those days, because they did not know if they would see each other again.

"We got married in September in London in the middle of the Blitz. There was a dogfight overhead and shrapnel hitting the church roof."

Capt Annand was always a reluctant hero, who had the interests of his soldiers at heart.

Mrs Annand said: "He says it was the men who were with him who deserved the medal and that he is wearing it for all of them."