A NEW film on the life of a North Wales war hero has come to fruition - with the help of a Denbigh historian.

Fred Birks, from Buckley, received the Military Medal and posthumously the Victoria Cross for his bravery and gallantry in the First World War.

The film has already been shown, but another screening is scheduled for the Buckley Cross Methodist Church on November 27.

Tony Griffiths, who has produced the film, said: "Thanks to local military historian and genealogist, Robert H Griffiths of Denbigh, I discovered that Frederick Birks is my great uncle!

"Through the Buckley Society, who sent me many old pictures of Buckley, they put me in touch with Janet Tildesley, Fred's grand niece who has carried out extensive research into the life of Fred Birks.

"Together we have produced this film to tell how Fred received the Military Medal and posthumously the Victoria Cross for his bravery and gallantry in WWI."

Born and brought up in Buckley, Fred attended St Matthew's School and Church.

He played football for the Buckley team and in the film, Evan Holden took the part of Fred as a young footballer.

In 1913, together with three pals, Fred travelled to Australia.

When war broke out in 1914, he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force.

His battalion was sent to Gallipoli where Fred was a stretcher bearer, coming under constant fire.

He won the Military Medal in November 1916.

Fred was killed at the Battle of Menin Road on September 21, 1917. For his gallantry and bravery in this endeavour he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.

Tickets for the November 27 screening are available from F & J Newscentre in Buckley.

A DVD of the film is also available.