A family has paid tribute to the community for turning out in force to remember Royal British Legion stalwart Ken Wildeman.

Almost 150 people attended Mr Wildeman’s funeral on Friday, November 6.

Steve O’Leary, 52, who is a legion member and partner of Mr Wildeman’s daughter Susan, said: “The service was wondrous and afterwards we all got acquainted with Ken’s mates and had a good old sing song and toasted his name.

“What really touched us was that his old regiment the Lancashire Fusiliers got in touch and supplied us with a standard bearer with his old regimental colours and they dug out his old military records for us, that topped off the day.

“I know that Ken would have absolutely loved it.”

Ken Wildeman, of Church, passed away on October 31, aged 74

Michael Hughes, Accrington legion member, said: “Ken was a much loved member and will be sorely missed.

“We had a fantastic turnout for him, he was an absolute stalwart of the legion.”

Mr Wildeman passed away peacefully at his home in Church on October 31, aged 74.