A RARE medal which belonged to a Weymouth navy hero is to go under the hammer in London.

The Naval General Service medal was awarded to Commander James Long for his role in defeating a French frigate in 1799.

The gong has been valued at £10,000 to £12,000 and will be sold by auction house Dix Noonan Webb on September 23.

Auction house director Pierce Noonan said: "This is a highly desirable piece for collectors.

"There were only 12 of these medals given out from the battle and so it is a very rare item.

"What makes it even more desirable is that Long was an officer and many of the other medals were for ratings.

"The medal itself isn't valued that highly. The price comes from the clasp which reads Sybille 28 Feb 1799.

"I certainly can't see us struggling to find a buyer."

Commander Long was born on April 17, 1774 and came from Melcombe Regis, Weymouth.

He entered the Royal Navy as an able seaman on February 1, 1797 and was immediately thrown into action on his ship, Sybille, when it sailed into the Spanish harbour of Manila disguised as a French vessel.

They took the Spanish by surprise and managed to capture 200 men, seven boats and a large quantity of ammunition.

Long was soon in action again, this time against the French, and the fighting resulted in him being awarded the medal.

On February 28, 1799, the Sybille engaged the superior enemy frigate La Forte. Despite taking heavy casualties Sybille emerged victorious.

La Forte was captured and after being repaired was brought into service in the Royal Navy.

Long continued to rise through the ranks becoming a Lieutenant in November 1806.

He continued to see action until leaving the service in 1813.

From 1837 to 1841 Long commanded the semaphore station on Portsdown Hill.

In 1841 he was promoted to the rank of commander.

The auction will take place at the New Connaught Rooms in Great Queen Street, London.