A CROWD gathered in Cwmbran in an act of remembrance to Victoria Cross hero of Rorke's Drift, John Fielding.

Around 150 people gathered at the annual event that is organised by Cwmbran and District Ex-Service Association (CADESA) today.

The day marked the 136th anniversary of the 1879 Battle at Rorke's Drift for which Private John Fielding, from Cwmbran, serving as Private John Williams, received the Victoria Cross after defending the remote station against 4,000 Zulus. He died in 1932.

A parade from Abbeyfields to St Michael and All Angels Church in Llantarnam was led by Newport City Stedfast Band and the gathering stood at the graveside for a service that was conducted by Rev Frieda Evans.

The crowd sung The Nation Anthem, God Save the Queen, and the hymn Abide with Me and finished with The Welsh National Anthem, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.

The Exhortation was led by CADESA member Keith Thorne and the Last Post was played by Steve Holland.

Two wreathes were lay on the grave of Pvt Fielding by The Royal Welsh Regimental Association, Pontypool Branch and CADESA.

Amongst the gathering was the Mayor of Torfaen, cllr Mandy Owen, Leader of the council, Cllr Bob Wellington, MP Paul Murphy, Torfaen councillors, representatives of Cwmbran Community council and relatives of Pvt Fielding.