More than a thousand people, many of them family and relatives of heroes awarded the Victoria Cross, attended a special service in Staffordshire to commemorate the anniversary of the medal.

Lichfield Cathedral played host to yesterday’s ceremony, in tribute to 56 Victoria Cross and 21 George Cross recipients from across the West Midlands.

And a letter of support from Prince Charles, president of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association, was read out during the proceedings in which he said he was “extremely proud and deeply moved” that recipients were being honoured.

“I hope all members and families gathered together at Lichfield Cathedral have a truly memorable day,” he said.

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More than a thousand people, many of them family and relatives of heroes awarded the Victoria Cross, attended a special service in Staffordshire to commemorate the anniversary of the medal.

Lichfield Cathedral played host to yesterday’s ceremony, in tribute to 56 Victoria Cross and 21 George Cross recipients from across the West Midlands.

And a letter of support from Prince Charles, president of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association, was read out during the proceedings in which he said he was “extremely proud and deeply moved” that recipients were being honoured.

“I hope all members and families gathered together at Lichfield Cathedral have a truly memorable day,” he said.

The event was particularly poignant for organiser Peter Elkin, whose ancestor Samuel Parkes won the VC in The Charge of The Light Brigade in 1854. “It was a wonderful afternoon,” he said afterwards. “A very emotional service and to see so many families of VC holders and all the civic dignitaries was truly magnificent.”

Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards, National Parade Marshall of the Royal British Legion and National Standard Bearers from the Royal British Legion all took part in a parade beforehand. Alongside them were representatives from the Royal British Legion Scotland, the Royal Navy, Marine and Artillery Associations, The Royal Horse Artillery and the Royal Engineers Association.

Mr Elkin added: “We had a piper playing and I released a dove of peace. Purely by coincidence a lady naval officer who had stopped off in Lichfield on a charity walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End got to hear of the event and asked if she could attend and we made her more than welcome.

“But one of the most touching moments was the playing of the Last Post by two buglers.

“It was a very precious day for me and I am sure for all those who were present,” added Mr Elkin.