Tom Dresser was the first Middlesbrough recipient of the Victoria Cross for his bravery during World War One.

The Victoria Cross is the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry.

Tom Dresser was 24 years old when he won the VC, and was serving as a private in the 7th Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment. On 12 May 1917 near Roeux, France, he succeeded in conveying an important message to the front line trenches, which he eventually reached in an exhausted, painful condition after having been twice wounded on the way. His fearlessness and determination to deliver this message at all costs proved of the greatest value to his battalion at a critical period of the battle.

As a family we are very proud of his actions, even more so because he was the first Middlesbrough recipient of the Victoria Cross.

We think as an important piece of local history, a statue erected in the local area, would be a fitting memorial to honour the courageous actions of a very brave man by the whole community for years to come.

Our aim is to have the statue ready to unveil to the local community in 2017, which will be the centenary year that Tom Dresser was awarded the VC.

All the money raised will go directly to commissioning the production of the statue. Any donations would be greatly appreciated.