SCORES of people gathered to witness the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate a “true Blackburn-born hero”.

Private James Pitts, received the Victoria Cross, the UK’s highest bravery award, as one of two soldiers who survived to hold a strategic post without food or water under heavy fire during the 1900 Battle of Ladysmith during the Second Boer War.

During a Battle of Ladysmith on January 6 1900, Private Pitts and fellow soldier Robert Scott were the only survivors, holding their post for 15 hours without food or water under extremely heavy fire.

Pte Pitts’ living relatives gathered outside Blackburn’s town hall, along with dignitaries including those from Blackburn with Darwen Council and the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, for a ceremony marking his achievements.

Pte Pitts is one of four Blackburn men to win the VC and the only recipient from the Second Boer War fought in South Africa between 1899 and 1902.

During his speech, Cllr Jim Shorrock, the mayor of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “His actions that earned him the Victoria Cross at just 22 years of age. He is a true Blackburn-born hero.”

Denise Park, the council’s chief executive, said: “He displayed the finest qualities in the most horrendous circumstances.

“He fought valiantly during the Boer War.”

Born in Barton Street, Pte Pitts left school at the age of 13 to become an apprentice weaver.

After five years he enlisted in the British Army.

He joined the First Battalion of the Manchester Regiment (now the Duke of Lancaster’s) aged 18.

He served in the First World War and died at 77 in Blackburn Infirmary in 1955.

Debbie Horrock, Pts Pitts’ great, great, granddaughter, said: “We are really proud for his brave actions to be celebrated in this way.

“We can now show our children this plaque and his memory will be known by many.

“It was a lovely ceremony and we’d like to thank the council and everyone behind getting the plaque put on the front of the town hall.”