A BURNLEY war hero who died to save the lives of his comrades is one of many to be honoured in a special parade and church service tomorrow.

The event organised by the Burnley and Pendle branch of the Queen's East Lancashire Regiment Association will commemorate the soldiers who lost their lives fighting in Gallipoli, in Turkey in 1915 during the First World War.

Lieutenant Alfred Victor Smith was born in Guildford but spent most of his short life in Burnley.

According to army records, Lt Smith was about to throw a grenade on December 23, 1915, when it slipped from his hand and fell to the bottom of a trench near other men and officers.

The records read: "He immediately shouted out a warning and jumped clear to safety but other officers and men were unable to get clear. Knowing well that the grenade was due to explode he returned without any hesitation and flung himself down on to it. He was instantly killed by the explosion. His magnificent act of self sacrifice undoubtedly saved many lives."

Lt Smith was just 24 when he was killed and was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for his brave act.

The son of William Smith, chief constable of Burnley Police, he was buried at Tree Copse Cemetery in Gallipoli and is commemorated on plaques at St Catherine's Church, Burnley, where a marble tribute stands, and St John's Church, Blackpool.

David Elliott, from the Burnley and Pendle branch of the Queen's East Lancashire Regiment Association, said it would be the first time the battle was being commemorated in Burnley.

Tomorrow's parade starts at 10am at the Peace Garden at the Place de Vitry off Parker Lane in Burnley and moves to St Peter's Church where there will be a special memorial service.

Marchers will then make their way to the Keirby Hotel for a social gathering.

Those taking part include the Band of the Lancastrian Brigade, 22 standard bearers, the Queens Lancashire Regiment Association, army cadets, Royal Navy and Royal Marine Associations, Army Associations and the Royal British Legion.

Among the special guests will be the Mayor and Mayoress of Burnley and MP Peter Pike.

The salute will be taken by Lt Colonel Mendoca of the 1st Battalion of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment and the church service will be conducted by Rev Quentin Wilson.

The Association thanks all those who have given donations to make the parade possible including Sainsbury's, Althams, Warburtons, Moorhouses and Wilkinsons.