A WAR hero has "returned" to his Radcliffe primary school just days after the nation paid tribute to his bravery and the courage of thousands like him.

A photograph of Private James Hutchinson, who received the Victoria Cross in 1916, was presented to Radcliffe Hall CE Methodist Primary School by Sgt Lee Snelling of the Lancashire Fusiliers during a special assembly on Tuesday (Nov 14).

Headteacher Mrs Gill Growden said: "Many years ago the photograph was on display in the school but, during the passage of time, it ended up gathering dust in the caretaker's room and so was given to the Fusiliers Museum Lancashire at Wellington Barracks in Bury."

When Mr Ronald Morris and Mrs Barbara Greaves were governors of the Bury Street school, they heard about this and decided it only fitting that the photograph should be returned and take pride of place to inspire future generations of schoolchildren. Mr Morris had also dug out and restored the school's Roll of Honour, which bears Private Hutchinson's name, and which now hangs proudly in the school.

The museum agreed to permanently loan the photo back to the school where it will go on display alongside the Roll of Honour.

Private Hutchinson was born at 18 Bank Top, Radcliffe, on July 9, 1895, to Samuel and Ann Hutchinson.

He was educated at Radcliffe Parish Church Schools (now Radcliffe Hall) and joined the Army on September 28, 1914, as a private in the 2/5th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers.