COMMEMORATIVE paving stones were unveiled at Blackburn Town Hall to honour two fallen war heroes.

Lieutenant Percy Dean and Second Lieutenant John Schofield were both awarded the Victoria Cross for their bravery in battle during World War One.

Family of the war heroes travelled from as far as Seattle in America, Scotland, Amsterdam, London, Oxford, Cambridge, and Dorset to pay their respects.

Harry Catherall, chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "Lieutenant Percy Dean and Second-Lieutenant John Schofield displayed the finest qualities in the most horrendous circumstances. Both showed uncommon bravery in battle and both saved the lives of many of their fellow men."

Lt Dean was born in Buncer Lane, Blackburn, in 1877. He served as a Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. He was awarded the VC for rescuing 100 seamen during a raid on a German occupied harbour in Belgium, March 1918.

It was heard at the ceremony, that he had gone back to save a man stuck in the water, and despite his boat being fired upon, he still managed to save him.

He later became an MP for Blackburn from December 1918-1922. He then became a renowned businessman, before he died in March 1939 aged 62.

Lt Schofield was born in 1892, Wycoller Road, Revidge. He served with the Lancashire Fusiliers. He captured 123 German officers, saving eight men in his group. He was turned down from the army twice due to sight problems, but was eventually given a clerical role, before being sent out.

He died in Givenchy, France, on April 19 1918, aged just 26.

The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Cllr Colin Rigby, Blackburn MP Kate Hollern, the High Sheriff of Lancashire-Mr Anthony Attard OBE DL, Lord LT Lord Shuttleworth KG KCVO, and Canon Ian Stockton from Blackburn Cathedral were also in attendance.