GWENT soldiers who fought at Rorke's Drift - the battle immortalised by the film Zulu - will this week be remembered at a special anniversary ceremony.

First Minister Rhodri Morgan is travelling to South Africa to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the battle.

He will pay tribute to the heroism of the men of the 24th of Foot - later the South Wales Borderers - who held Rorke's Drift against overwhelming odds from waves of Zulu forces during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879.

John Williams, of Abergavenny, and Robert Jones, from Clytha, both won the Victoria Cross for bravery during the battle.

The first minister will join other Zulu and British dignitaries as they commemorate the two battles.

The first minister said: "The Battles of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift have a particular significance for the people of Wales and the Zulu nation. So I am honoured to be able to attend the events to commemorate the memory of all those who fell in battle 125 years ago."