Newcastle to unveil memorial for local hero

A large new stained glass window in memory of Private Adam Wakenshaw VC will be unveiled and dedicated in St Mary's Catholic Cathedral, Clayton St West, Newcastle upon Tyne this Sunday 27 at 3pm. Private Wakenshaw died saving his colleagues in rearguard action in a battle at Mersa Matruh on the North African coastline on 27 June, 1942. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the only member of the Forces from Tyneside to be awarded this honour in the Second World War. The stained glass window, comprising two panels, each measuring eight feet x two feet, was designed and made by local artist Cate Watkinson. Cate's design was selected after a public competition organised by Northern Arts. It is the first new window in St Mary's Cathedral for over 100 years and replaces one of the windows damaged by the bombing of Newcastle in the Second World War. The Service of Dedication will take place on the 62nd anniversary of Private Wakenshaw's death and will be conducted by the Rt Rev Kevin Dunn, the new bishop of the Catholic diocese of Hexham and Newcastle.US bishops