A BID has been launched to award Dover with the George Cross, it has been revealed.

The medal is usually awarded to civilians for acts of great heroism or conspicuous bravery, but two people believe the town itself fits these criteria.

Independent Town Councillor, Vic Matcham, and Chris Precious, who chairs the Aycliffe and Ropewalk Community Forum, launched the campaign by writing a letter to Prime Minister Tony Blair.

They have received a reply, saying that the matter has been passed to the Ministry of Defence.

The George cross was instituted in 1940. The medal has only ever been awarded collectively twice - once to the Island of Malta in 1942, for courage during the Second World War and to the Royal Ulster Constabulary in 1999, to honour courage during the troubles in Northern Ireland. To date there have been 401 awards of the George Cross made.

Chris Precious said: "We feel this precedent should apply somewhere far closer than home that has, throughout history, shown itself to be both courageous and stalwart in the defence of the realm. We are of course referring to Dover."

"Since Roman times there has been a garrison in Dover and it has been a vital part of the defence of this country.

"Later Dover became one of the first of the Cinque Ports, providing much needed support to the naval forces of this country. When the French invaded in the 13th century it was Dover that held out and made it impossible for them to consolidate their gains."

Mr Precious added that it was two world wars that saw Dover on the front line, contending with the Battle of Britain and bombers discharging their loads over the town.

He also points to the fact that Winston Churchill monitored the progress of the D-Day landings from tunnels under Dover Castle.

"The people of Dover have shown determination and fortitude throughout the many wars that have beset the town," Mr Precious added.

"While the contributions of the castle are often noted in the history books and the White Cliffs have provided the song and the images, it is past time that the courage and perseverance of the people of Dover was recognised."

Mr Precious and Cllr Matcham have produced petitions for the campaign, which are available in the Dover Mercury newspaper office in Church Street.

Dover Town Councillors have also pledged support. Mayor, Bob Markham, added: "I support everything about this campaign.

"Dover has done far more than people realise, if you go to the library, you can see just how many bombs dropped on the town, but it kept going and no-one gave up."

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Defence said it was too early to say if the town would succeed in being awarded the medal.

* Chris Precious would like to hear from anyone who lived in Dover during the war, so he can compile a dossier of stories and experiences. He can be contacted at 8 St David's Avenue, Aycliffe, Dover, CT17 9HU, or phone 01304 204211.