A Walton war hero's Victoria Cross, gathering dust in a bank vault, may be better sold off for the good of the town's people, it has been claimed.
The medal is the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
It was last valued at more than £250,000.
The mother of the recipient, Herbert George Columbine, who died at the Somme in 1918, bequeathed the medal to the people of Walton. But the only time it is seen now is by the three trustees who visit the bank where it is being held.
John Halls, chairman of the trustees, said: "It was left to the people of Walton, those that were born and brought up here, and the money could go to help these individuals."
Mr Halls, who is also chairman of the town's Royal British Legion branch, said he was unsure about selling it.
- More in today's Gazette
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