CHARITY calls for community to rally together to pay tribute to 93-year-old war veteran Ken who doesn't have many people to attend his funeral.

Ken Crossley who lived in Leigh all his life, before moving to Lovers Lane in Atherton five years ago, served in the Royal Artillery as a a driver for the medium guns in the Second World War before serving as a gunny in the Normandy landings.

His army career saw him serve in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany before being posted to India at the end of the war.

Despite his career, Ken has very few family members left, some who are ill or disabled and cannot attend his funeral.

So charity Shoulder to Soldier, which helps Tri Service Armed Forces Families when they need support, have contacted the British Legion and the Royal Artillery Association to see if they can help swell the congregation - but are hoping that residents will also attend his funeral on Tuesday, December 18 to pay tribute to him.

Linda Fisher, from Shoulder to Soldier, said: “ It would be a fitting tribute if the community and our veterans could all show their support and attend his funeral on the December 18.

"Ken was an inspirational man and we owe this generation so much”

Ken's funeral will take place on at St Josephs Church in Leigh, at 2pm, and then after at Leigh cemetery.

For more information contact the funeral director is Malcolm at Pennington Funeral Care, Leigh on 01942 269555