RELATIONS of Chepstow Victoria Cross hero William Williams were among 40 people who gathered at the submarine gun – given to the town in his honour – to mark the 97th anniversary of his death.

Able Seaman Williams was awarded Britain's highest military honour for his bravery at Gallipoli during the First World War.

His great-great nephew Kyron Putwain, a pupil at Tutshill Church of England Primary School, laid a wreath bearing the words: "Remembered with pride – Uncle Billy".

He was joined his mum Sharon, William Williams's great neice, Sandra Boshein, also a great neice and his neice Carol Dutson, all of whom live in Chepstow.

Kyron said: "We are very proud."

Wreaths were also laid on behalf of the Chepstow branch of the Royal Naval Association, the Chepstow British Legion and Chepstow Town Council.

The ceremony took place last Wednesday, Anzac Day, which marks the opening day of the campaign to knock Turkey out of the war.

William Williams' Victoria Cross was sold at auction in London in June 1997 for £46,000.

It had been expected to fetch between £25,000 and £35,000 and among the bidders was Chepstow Museum which has a display about the VC hero's life.

The medal was bought by billionaire Lord Ashcroft and is now part of the Ashcroft Collection on display at the Imperial War Museum in London.