The Civic Hall in Royston could be named after the town's World War One hero Albert Shepherd.

Ward councillors have applied to Barnsley Council, which owns the building, to change its name to The Albert Shepherd Memorial Hall to coincide with the 100th anniversary of World War One next year.

Mr Shepherd, a private with the 12th Service Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps, was awarded the Victoria Cross for saving the lives of his company.

On November 20, 1917 in Villers Plouich, France, the 20-year-old went against orders and threw a grenade at a German machine gun which was firing at his comrades.

He captured the gun, killing two gunners then ordered his pals to take cover and went back 70 yards to get the help of a tank before returning and leading his men to their objective.

Pte Shepherd died on October 23 1966 and is buried in Royston cemetery alongside his wife Gladys and his daughter Mildred who died as a child.

A plaque was unveiled at Royston Parish Church in 2008. Ward chairman Graham Kyte said: "Soundings taken by our members show there is widespread support within the local community for this - not least amongst those associated with the former British Legion Branch.

"We are aware that Experience Barnsley is making special provision to mark the centenary of the outbreak of First World War and that Albert will be included.

"We would like to add to this by providing something substantial in his home village to mark Albert's achievements."