Thomas Whitham Sixth Form will adorn the entrance to the sixth form centre in Barden Lane when pupils and staff move into the new building in September.

Governors considered a number of names before selecting Thomas Whitham, a soldier born in Worsthorne in 1888. He served as a Private during the First World War and was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery at the battle of Passchendale in 1917.

He was given a gold watch by Burnley Council and a clock from Worsthorne Parish Council before he died in 1924 aged 36. His medal, watch and clock are displayed in Towneley Hall.

Governors chose his name as they believe his story demonstrates the sixth form's ethos – everyone can fulfil their potential regardless of background. Thomas Whitham's great-grandson Jean Pierre D'Anjau, an eye surgeon in Sunderland, is thrilled with the news and will come to look around the centre soon.

He recently appeared on a Channel 4 documentary called "Not Forgotten", presented by Ian Hislop looking at former heroes forgotten over time. Jean Pierre appeared on the show talking about his great-grandad.

The sixth form centre will be one of the first new buildings in the multi-million pound Building Schools for the Future scheme to come into operation when it opens in September.