THE life of Hove's only home-grown Victoria Cross war hero has been commemorated at the spot where his short but brave life began.

School children, historians, military personnel and dignitaries gathered to witness the unveiling of a blue plaque at the birth place of World War One hero Theodore Wright in Lansdowne Place, Hove.

Captain Wright, who was born at the house in 1883, was killed in action at the Belgian city of Mons in September 1914 while trying to help wounded men across an exposed pontoon bridge.

The plaque is the first of three to be dedicated to the city's VC heroes and the last to be funded by Brighton and Hove City Council.

Plaques to Ernest Beal, set to be located at either the site of the family bookshop in East Street or at his birthplace in Lewes Road, and Edward Mannock are scheduled to be unveiled in 2018.

The commission said funding for Lt Beal had already been agreed but that work would begin now to secure funding for flying ace Major Mannock who was one of the leading pilots of his generation.

A procession from the RNIB care home in Somerhill Road, Hove, preceded Friday's unveiling with scores of children from Brunswick Primary School and Portslade Aldridge Community Academy joining in.

Interim chairman Roger Amerena said there was much more to come from the Brighton and Hove Commemorative Plaque Panel which is one of the oldest and most active in the country despite the end of council funding which previously paid for one plaque a year.

He said: "It's important for the city's heritage that we continue to mark these occasions.

"Because of Brighton's position on the coast which attracted many visitors, the list of potential plaques is extensive.

"That's not the case in some places where they have closed their panels because they have done all the ones they can do.

"Friday was perfect, the whole planning of it, the weather and the arrival at the last minute of the school children."

Dudley Button, president of the Brighton and Hove branch of the Royal British Legion, said: "It took something very special to be given a VC, you had to be really brave or sometimes do something foolish which also takes bravery.

"The plaque is on the house where he was born, although sadly we don't which room, and the current residents came out to watch the whole ceremony so they are well aware of their famous past occupant.

"We had children from local schools attend the ceremony and that really made the day, its great they have got involved in something they really need to learn about."