A plaque was unveiled to a New Cross hero who was a firefighter for the area during the Second World War.

So why was George Arthur Roberts so notable? He was one of the first black firefighters in all of London.

Born in 1890 on the Caribbean island of Trinidad, he was a soldier during the First World War and fought during the Battle of the Somme, being awarded a medal for his bravery.

He went on to become a fireman and started worked at New Cross Fire Station in 1939.

George’s great granddaughter Samantha Harding was at the special event along with London Fire Brigade on Sunday (April 15) for the unveiling.

She said: “It’s always overwhelming for me to attend these events as it brings to light all of the incredible things he has done.”

London Fire Brigade watch manager Micky Nicholas said “George’s legacy has led to there being members of Caribbean and other diverse communities in the Brigade today.

“It’s right that we are commemorating the first identifiable black firefighters in London at a time when we are trying to recruit a more diverse workforce.

“There is less than a week before the recruitment round ends and the Brigade really wants our workforce to better reflect the city we serve. I would urge all members of London’s varied communities to seriously consider firefighting as a career option.”