A service will be held in memory of a Second World War hero from Dereham.

Since 1989, there has been an annual remembrance service for the 2nd Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment soldiers who were killed on May 27, 1940, in a massacre at Le Paradis, near Dunkirk in France.

These included Private William O'Callaghan, who carried an injured comrade, Bert Pooley to safety, despite being injured himself.

Pte O'Callaghan took Pte Pooley half a mile to the relative safety of a neighbouring farm.

Eastern Daily Press: Standard bearers at the service in memory of Private William O'Callaghan, in DerehamStandard bearers at the service in memory of Private William O'Callaghan, in Dereham (Image: Dennis O'Callaghan)

The pair were the only survivors of the slaughter in which German soldiers killed 97 British soldiers. The battalion of Royal Norfolks had become isolated from their unit and surrendered to the SS after running out of ammunition.

Pte O’Callaghan’s son, Dennis, has organised a service of remembrance each year for the past 32 years.

This year's commemoration will take place on Sunday, May 21 at 11am at William O'Callaghan Place in Dereham, close to the junction adjoining Becclesgate and Swaffham Road, at the bottom of Swaffham Hill.