Tributes have been paid to a Royal British Legion stalwart who has passed away.

Ken Wildeman, of Church , was a ‘loyal and dedicated’ standard bearer for the Legion in Accrington and previously served in the East Lancashire Fusiliers for 21 years.

The grandfather-of-four passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 31, aged 74.

His daughter Susan, 48, from Accrington, said he was ‘very dedicated to the British Legion’.

She said: “He was a standard bearer for quite a number of years and went to all the parades and meetings and was involved in a lot of it.

“He sold the poppies at Asda and did parades at funerals for former members and servicemen.

“He was such a character and never let anything bother him. He just got on with it.

“He had a lot of friends and liked to socialise and was a very happy, friendly chap. His bungalow was always full of poppies.”

Trevor Dawson, who has known Ken since 1959 and served together in Northern Ireland, said he ‘burst into tears’ when he was told of Ken’s death.

British Legion member Trevor, 74, of Lion Street, Church, said: “We called him grumpy but he wasn’t really. It was a big act.

“He was a very nice, kind-hearted man and such a cracking fellow.

“We always had a laugh together and made anybody and everybody feel welcome. There were no outsiders with him. He hasn’t changed in all the years I’ve known him.

“When I found out he passed away I just burst into tears. We were very close and I used to call him every other day and see him once or twice a week.”

He added: “His heart was in the British Legion. He loved it. He was also a big family man. He will be sadly missed.”

Ken’s death follows Legion welfare officer Roy Lockwood’s death in June.

Former Legion welfare officer Roy Lockwood, from Oswaldtwistle, died in June

Former Hyndburn Mayor Paul Barton said there will be a ‘big void’ at Remembrance Sunday commemorations this year .

He said: “We all got on very well when I was Mayor and I had many a good night with Ken.

“I used to do a bit of standard bearing in Church and Oswaldtwistle and came across Ken all the time.

“He was a good lad and always there at every parade. He will be very sadly missed.

“We have lost two good stalwarts this year with Roy Lockwood’s death.”

Ken leaves his dearly loved children, daughter Susan and son Kenny, his treasured grandchildren, Leah, Shelby, Brandon and Bailey and also his two brothers and sister.

His funeral service will be held on Friday, November 6, at 3pm, at Accrington Crematorium.

Donations are welcomed in memory of Ken for The Royal British Legion – Accrington Branch c/o Barton and Hallworth Funeral Service, The Old Foxhill, 136 Union Road, Oswaldtwistle.