A First World War hero who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery during the battle of the Somme has been remembered in Glasgow 100 years later.

Sergeant Robert Downie was 22 years old when he saved the lives of his comrades while under enemy fire in Eastern France.

On Sunday his family gathered at the People's Palace in Glasgow as a memorial stone was unveiled in his memory.

Sergeant Downie, from Springburn, saw heavy fighting from the start of the campaign on the Western Front and had endured a gas attack earning him the Military Medal.

His actions on October 23, 1916, during the first battle of the Somme earned him the Victoria Cross.

At a critical point in the battle near the village of Lesoefs, as his regiment was suffering heavy losses, he rallied his men to attack a German machine gun crew.

He survived the battle and was presented with the VC, the highest honour in the British military, by King George V.

Lord provost Sadie Doherty said: "Sergeant Robert Downie is far more than a local hero. He ranks among the very few men in the Great War who survived while carrying out the ultimate act of valour. Risking his life to save the lives of his comrades.

"His bravery then was lauded and well documented by the media. He deserves our utmost respect and it's an honour to meet with his relations, many of whom are meeting for the first time, today."

The VC paving stone is being funded by the UK Government's Department for Communities and Local Government.

Communities minister Lord Bourne said: "The paving stone ceremony for Sergeant Robert Downie is a fitting tribute to his exceptional bravery.

"I hope it will encourage Glaswegians to find out more about their local heroes gallantry and the role they played in the history of the First World War.

"Britain's First World War heroes remain as inspirational now as they were a century ago. We owe them a great debt of gratitude."