FINAL preparations have been made for the unveiling of a memorial plaque in Belgium in honour of Worcester-born and bred First World War Victoria Cross holder Fred Dancox.

Around 24 people will attend the ceremony near to the Belgium village of Langemarck, close to the area where in 1917 Pte Fred Dancox showed the courage that led to him being awarded Britain's highest military honour for gallantry.

Those attending will include members of the Dancox family and officials of the Worcestershire and Here-fordshire branch of the Western Front Association (WFA), which organised the event and raised funds for the plaque.

Representing his former regiment will be a detachment from the amalgamated Worcestershire and Sher-wood Foresters Regiment.

Representing the city will be former mayor Aubrey Tarbuck, whose father also fought in The Great War.

Coun Tarbuck said: "It is important that we should remember those times and the courage of soldiers.

"Fred Dancox must be remembered and I'm very proud to be representing the city at the unveiling."

Stephen Moorhouse, chairman of the WFA Hereford-shire and Worcestershire branch, said the support received from the public has been amazing but he also appealed for help in the memorial's up-keep.

He said: "We will have to insure it for at least 10 years. If we could have some assistance with that it would be greatly appreciated."

The unveiling ceremony and dedication will take place on Saturday, September 9.

Pte Dancox, of the 4th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment, was awarded the VC for single-handedly capturing an enemy bunker on October 9, 1917, and taking 40 German soldiers prisoner.

However, he never received the VC because he was killed in action near Cambrai, in France, just weeks later. His body was never found.

Anyone who would like to make a donation to help with the up-keep of the memorial can contact Mr Moorhouse on 01905 779088 or email him on shm45@hotmail.com.uk.