SOLDIERS from Darlington have visited the grave of one the area's most famous soldiers, who died in in the First World War.

The soldiers from Darlington's 50 (Northumbrian) Signal Squadron (Volunteers), based at the TA centre in Neasham Road, made the trip to the Hermes War Cemetery in northern France.

They paid their respects at the grave of Brigadier General Roland 'Boyes' Bradford, who was awarded the Victoria Cross and Military Cross during the First World War. At 25, he was the youngest brigadier general in the British Army. He was killed in action on November 30, 1917.

At the time of his death, he was serving in the Durham Light Infantry and commanding the 186th Infantry Brigade, and was considered to be the most promising senior officer of his era.

The TA centre in Darlington is called The Bradford Armoury after Brig Gen Bradford and his Darlington family.

Three of four brothers from the family, who won two Victoria Crosses, two Military Crosses and the Distinguished Service Order between them, lost their lives in the Great War.