Three generations of the Adams family met to commemorate Gorleston hero William Adams whose name not only lives on through them - but also a road which has been named after him.

William, who saved 100 people from drowning, was accorded the honour when his great-great grandson Stewart William Adams won a competition run by Great Yarmouth Mercury and the Borough Council to name the road which links Southtown Road with Harfreys roundabout.

On April 11 members of the Adams family, ranging from great-grandson Paul (Stewart’s father) to great-great-great grandchildren, saw Stewart receive a replica road name from Great Yarmouth’s Mayor Sue Robinson.

Stewart has spent 10 years researching his ancestor’s life story and has been successful in having a blue plaque installed to commemorate the house where William lived.

"Having the road named after my great-great grandfather is more than I could have wished for," he said. "It has been my ambition to help keep his name alive and now we have William Adams Way."

William made his first rescue aged 11 when he saved a young girl who had fallen into the sea from the pier at Gorleston in 1875. Throughout his working life he had a beach hut hire business and gave swimming lessons.

His last rescue was in 1913, when despite his doctor’s orders to stay away from the beach - he headed for the sands and helped in a rescue which entailed his having to be taken home where he died a few weeks later aged just 49.

"It was lovely to see so many of William Adams family at the ceremony," said planning department Technical Assistant Leigh Cox who helped arrange the competition. ""It obviously means a great deal to them."

For further information call Technical Assistant Leigh Cox on 01493 846432