A soldier who won the Victoria Cross (VC) in the First World War has been remembered at a special service in his native Northumberland.

Guardsman Frederick William Dobson of the Coldstream Guards risked his own life in a bid to rescue two wounded comrades in France in 1914. This involved crossing a large expanse of open ground under fire and then returning with a stretcher and two other soldiers to help him carry it.

He was unable to save private Albert Haldeby, who had died of his wounds, but managed to bring in private Butler who had been wounded in three places.

A memorial stone was unveiled during the service at St Mary’s Church in Mr Dobson’s home village of Ovingham.

The 27-year-old soldier won his VC Chavonne in France on 28 September 1914. He was later promoted to lance-corporal and died in 1935.

His Victoria Cross is on show at the Colstream Guards HQ at Wellingon Barracks in London.

During the First World War, 628 Victoria Crosses were awarded – 454 to UK-born recipients and 173 to servicemen born overseas.