The Scot who introduced the Salvation Army to America is to be honoured in his home town of Arbroath.

A commemorative plaque will be unveiled in the Angus town’s St John's Methodist Church for George Railton who was born in the region in 1849.

A similar memorial already stands in Battery Park, New York.

Mr Railton lost both his parents when he was 15-years-old and left Arbroath for work in London. He joined the Salvation Army when in the capital and travelled to New York in 1880 to start its first mission in the US.

The Salvation Army said it is now the second biggest charity in the US, with 123,843 members.

Major Jim McCluskey, former commanding officer of the charity in Arbroath, said: "Railton is one of Arbroath's most famous sons and his role in the Salvation Army cannot be overestimated. Without him, I don't think it would exist in the form it does today.

"We are absolutely delighted to be involved in a project which will bring new recognition to such an important figure. The Railton family history extends beyond our shores and is something which Angus can be very proud of and should be celebrated."

Commissioner William Roberts, leader of the Salvation Army in the US, said it the charity will always be grateful to the work of Mr Railton.

"His bold leadership immediately captured the attention of the American public and his organisational skills cast a sure foundation for the army that still profits us to the present day," he said.

"As one of those who are the beneficiaries of his legacy, first as a Salvationist and now in my present appointment as his successor as national commander, I am grateful for the fruit still born from his sowing.

"I am stirred by the example of unflagging dedication and I am honoured to wear with pride the uniform that he first modelled when he landed at Battery Park in New York City in 1880."