A man from Dereham who survived a massacre in the Second World War has been remembered at an intimate service.

Guests joined Royal British Legion standard bearers from across Norfolk in Dereham to salute the bravery of Private William O'Callaghan.

Pte O'Callaghan carried his injured comrade Bert Pooley to safety during the Le Paradis massacre of May 1940 - despite being injured himself.

Dereham Times: Various dignitaries and standard bearers from across Norfolk gathered in Dereham on May 21 morning to salute the bravery of Private William O'CallaghanVarious dignitaries and standard bearers from across Norfolk gathered in Dereham on May 21 morning to salute the bravery of Private William O'Callaghan (Image: Nick Smith)

The pair were the only survivors of the massacre, in which 97 captured soldiers from the 2nd Battalion The Royal Norfolk, 1st Battalion The Royal Scots and other units, were gunned down by German soldiers.

Every year since 1989, Dennis O’Callaghan, his son has organised a service to take place in Dereham, at William O’Callaghan Place off Swaffham Road.

Mr O'Callaghan said: "It is always a poignant and very meaningful occasion for me and all the other people who attend.

Dereham Times: Various dignitaries and standard bearers from across Norfolk gathered in Dereham on May 21 morning to salute the bravery of Private William O'CallaghanVarious dignitaries and standard bearers from across Norfolk gathered in Dereham on May 21 morning to salute the bravery of Private William O'Callaghan (Image: Nick Smith)

"Hopefully, for as long as I am around, this is something we will continue to do."

There was also a service at Norwich Cathedral to remember the victims on the 83rd anniversary of the massacre.