VC hero Bill Speakman played host to visitors from his hometown of Altrincham ahead of his 90th birthday celebrations.

Twenty-four members of Hale Women's Institute called in to meet Bill in the gardens of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, London, where he now lives.

In true WI style, a home-baked cake made by Freda Ward, one of Bill's visitors, was presented to mark his birthday, today, September 21 - together with a bottle of his favourite tipple, a vintage single malt whisky.

Group organiser Liz Smith said there was 'sunshine, smiles and hugs all round' at the meeting.

Wearing a scarlet coat and his medals, Bill was delighted to have visitors from his hometown - and even more delighted to hear that some were at the welcoming celebration in 1952 when he returned to Altrincham with his Victoria Cross.

Liz continued: "The Royal Hospital Chelsea is a very special place to visit.

"It was wonderful to see where Bill and other comrades who have served their country are looked after so well.

"Meeting our local hero Bill Speakman VC was a great honour. Ad multos annos, Bill."

Bill won his Victoria Cross in Korea in 1951 - one of only 15 awarded since 1945. It is the highest award in the honours system.

He won the Victoria Cross for an incredible act of bravery on November 4, 1951.

On that day, Bill - a private in the Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) attached to the King's Own Scottish Borderers - used his 6ft 6 inch frame to devastating effect. He led six others on a series of grenade charges to fend off successive waves of attacks from Chinese soldiers.

He continued to lead the charges even after having a serious leg wound bandaged, enabling his company to withdraw to safety.

Although his award was made by King George VI, Mr Speakman was the first person to receive the Victoria Cross from Queen Elizabeth II.