RELATIVES of three soldiers awarded the Victoria Cross are being sought to attend the laying of special paving stones in Blackburn with Darwen.

William Henry Grimbaldeston, John Schofield and Percy Thompson Dean, who all received Britain’s highest bravery award, will be commemorated during events for the centenary of the 1914 -1918 conflict.

The government is paying for the specially-made stones to be placed in over 400 towns across the UK commemorating the First World War soldiers awarded the VC for exceptional valour in battle.

The precise locations of the memorials is yet to be decided by Blackburn with Darwen council which is looking for descendants of the three heroes to take part in the celebrating their courage.

William Henry Grimbaldeston, the borough’s first VC was in the King's Own Scottish Borderers, surviving the conflict and dying suddenly at his home in Bold Street, aged 69 in August 1959.

John Schofield, a Second Lieutenant in The Lancashire Fusiliers died in action June 1918, and is only one of the Blackburn VCs to be awarded his medal after death.

Percy Thompson Dean from Buncer Lane was the first member of the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve to win the VC and was a Conservative MP for the town.

Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Kate Hollern said: “This is a great opportunity for us to come together and remember those who lost their lives during the First World War.”

Descendants of the three VCs are asked to contact the council by ringing Mary Painter on 01254 661221.