THE annual memorial service for one of Gravesend's most famous figures is to take place at the end of the month.

General Charles Gordon travelled the world, fighting battles in China and Africa, and the 128th anniversary of his death will be remembered on January 25 at the memorial gardens which bear his name.

The soldier, administrator and town benefactor ran schools for the poor at Fort House and East Terrace as well as teaching at St Andrew's mission on the waterfront.

He was a regular visitor to the workhouse and the infirmary while Gravesend families continued to benefit from pensions and payments even after his death on January 26, 1885 following a 317-day siege of Khartoum by Sudanese rebels.

Gravesham Mayor Councillor Lyn Milner will be joined by Chantry School pupils, members of the Royal Engineers Association, Merchant Navy and the president of Gravesend Rotary Club in laying flowers at the foot of the Gordon Memorial.

Members of the Salvation Army and Borough Band will provide music and Gads Hill School Combined Cadet Force a guard of honour.

The service takes place at 11am at the Gordon Memorial Gardens, Riverside Leisure Area and will be lead by the Reverend Graham Herbert of St Peter & St Paul Church at Milton-Next-Gravesend.