A BRONZE bust of a North-East war hero was unveiled yesterday.

The work depicting Captain Richard Annand, the first soldier to earn the Victoria Cross in the Second World War, was uncovered at the annual reunion of the Durham Light Infantry (DLI).

The bust, by North-East sculptor Paul Edward Dunn, will be offered to Durham City when a suitable site can be found.

DLI Association secretary Kevin Storey said: "The bronze bust, which is mounted on a 6ft beechwood plinth, was well received. Captain Annand's wife, Shirley, was delighted with it."

"We will be writing to Durham City Council to find a suitable site for the bust. One possibility is the Millennium Place - it would be nice to have it somewhere central."

Capt Annand, who died on Christmas Eve, was awarded the VC after rescuing a wounded comrade under heavy fire during the retreat to Dunkirk in 1940.

He lived in Durham after the war, becoming Deputy Lieutenant of County of Durham. He worked tirelessly for charities, especially ex-servicemen and the hard of hearing.

About 450 former members of the DLI paraded on College Green, outside Durham Cathedral, before inspection by the county's Lord Lieutenant, Sir Paul Nicholson.

There was a march-past and wreath-laying in the DLI Memorial Garden, before a short service in the DLI Chapel, in the cathedral.

Following the service, members of 16 branches of the DLI Association taking part visited Caedmon Hall, at Hild and Bede College, in Durham, for lunch and a military band concert.