A search has been launched to find relatives of a soldier awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery during the Battle of Passchendaele in the First World War.

Officials hope to have family members present at a ceremony to honour the bravery of Robert Shankland.

The ceremony will take place in Ayr on October 26, 100 years since the heroic acts took place.

During the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917, Mr Shankland braved enemy lines to take new information back to command, before returning to help capture the Bellevue Spur.

Mr Shankland was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions, with the citation stating his courage and his example "undoubtedly saved a critical situation".

South Ayrshire provost Helen Moonie said despite an extensive search, no surviving family members had been found.

She said: "We're preparing a permanent memorial to mark Robert's valour in the Battle of Passchendaele and we'd dearly love to have family members present at the ceremony.

"Robert was born and raised in Ayr, while his wife Anna Stobo Haining came from Prestwick.

"I'd urge anyone with a personal connection to the Shankland family to get in touch to help add a family connection as we remember a powerful story that will soon be set in stone in his home community for generations to come."