A SECOND World War soldier's name has been added to a South Lakeland churchyard's memorial more than 70 years after he was killed in action.

A special service will be held at Crosscrake Church on Sunday to mark the belated inclusion of David Michaelson-Yeates's name on the Stainton Parish war memorial.

Mr Michaelson-Yeates was living with his family at Skettlegill Farm, Stainton, when he enlisted in the Army.

He was killed in action in Normandy on August 8, 1944 - which means Sunday's service will be held 71 years and a day after his death.

Mr Michaelson-Yeates's story was researched by Christopher Day, an ex-serviceman who lives in the parish.

He noticed the soldier's name had been put on a wooden memorial cross inside Crosscrake Church but 'for reasons unknown' not on the stone cross in the churchyard.

"This is possibly because the family moved out of the parish," said Mr Day. "He is not recorded on any other War Memorial. I noticed the omission at the Remembrance Service last year after recently moving into the parish and decided to put it right."

He discovered that prior to enlisting, Mr Michaelson-Yeates was employed at Gilbert Gilkes and Gordon, Kendal, and had been a member of the local Home Guard.

He was posted to the 1/7 Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment, which fought in France after the Normandy landings, and is buried in the Bayeaux War Cemetery.

The dedication service will be held at Crosscrake Church after morning service on Sunday, which is from 10 to 11am.

The Kendal branch of the Royal British Legion will be represented by its standard bearer and other members.

The Last Post will be played and a letter from Mr Michaelson-Yeates's regiment will be read out.

The service will also be attended by his younger brother, Peter, who still lives in South Lakeland.

Mr Day added: "It is hoped that people who knew David or his family will also attend."