AN Irvine hero who gave his life fighting in the Spanish Civil War was remembered at a service in his home town recently.

John Smith was born in Fullarton Street, Irvine in 1906. When the forces of General Franco tried to take over the Spanish republic in the late 1930s, John was one of more than 500 Scots who volunteered to join International Brigade to stop the spread of fascism.

John died on or around September 8, 1938 during the combat.

He is remembered each year by members of the Irvine and Ayrshire District Trade Council near the anniversary of his death.

This year's service was held on September 10 at Knadgerhill Cemetary in Irvine, where he is buried.

Our pictures shows Trade Council members James McDaid, Arthur West, Tam Dewar and others paying their respects to the fallen soldier.