WHEN Napoleon began his bloody quest to conquer Europe some 200 years ago, Watford-born Thomas Norris was among those who risked his life to secure a British victory.

Joining other members of the 57th Foot, West Middlesex Regiment, the butcher fought tirelessly to help defeat Napoleon's Grande Armie in the 1811 battle of Albuhera in Spain.

Today, two centuries on, Thomas' great great great grandson, Daren, is making it his mission to ensure the hard work of his courageous ancestor is never forgotten.

Following 16 years of research, Daren is preparing to publish a book called Over the Hills and Far Away, which charts the story of Thomas' life and the battle of Albuhera.

And he is hoping the proceeds from the book will go towards raising the £35,000 needed to carry out restoration of the graves of those who fought in the battle, but which have since been left to decay.

Daren said: "These graves are very important. They are symbolic of the battle which gave the Spanish and Portuguese freedom from French rule.

"They are also thought to be among the oldest British Army war graves in existence anywhere in the world.

"It upsets me that so many people here know nothing about what happened in Albuhera, when for the Spanish and Portuguese it's such a big part of their history."

For the full story, see this week's Watford Observer.