An appeal has been made calling for veterans to attend the funeral of an ex-serviceman who is remembered as a “true gentleman”.

Derek Thompson, who was a member of The Crown Veterans Breakfast Club in Bury, died aged 92 on Monday, August 26 following a two-year battle with cancer.

Now, the Borough Of Bury Veterans Association and The Crown Veterans Breakfast Club are urging veterans and civilians to attend his funeral, as Derek is survived by nobody.

Derek’s funeral will be held on Monday, October 7 at 10.30am at East Lancashire Crematorium in Radcliffe.

As a mark of respect, the Borough Of Bury Veterans Association has requested that all veterans wear their blazer, medals and unit headdress.

“He was on his own, as his wife Pam has died many years ago,” said Wilma McCarrick, a close friend of Derek’s and member of The Crown Veteran’s Breakfast Club.

“He had no children. But he was a true gentleman with a wicked sense of humour, who just slotted right in at the breakfast club.

“He became a very valued member of the club, and attended until his illness took a turn for the worst last Christmas.

"It would mean a lot to us if Derek had a good send off, as we are a very close-knit community.

"We are like a family, and we always help one another.”

The Crown Veterans Breakfast Club, set up in 2019, holds a breakfast event every Friday at the Mosses Centre in Bury.

All veterans and members of the armed forces are welcome to attend and “have breakfast and a bit of banter".

Unfortunately, little is known about Derek’s military service.

Wilma said: “Derek did not disclose what division of the armed forces he was in but he did talk about his national service.

“He did, however, absolutely love being part of the veteran’s community.

"From the moment I met him he became like a father figure to me – everyone was just so fond of him.”

She added: “We have already drummed up quite a lot of support for the funeral.

"A lady has come forward who wants to play the bugle at his service, and a florist is making a wreath for him, free of charge.

"But we still want to spread the word about his send-off, as he came to the breakfast club a stranger, and left as family.”

Owen Radar Dykes, a fellow member of The Crown Breakfast Club and friend of Derek’s, said: “Derek passing leaves a gap in the breakfast club.

"He was a friendly gentleman who lit up the room as soon as he entered it, and to speak with him about his military life was a pleasure.

“We are a family through our military service, and Derek should not make his final journey alone.

"I urge all citizens and veterans to attend his funeral, as it is both a celebration of Derek’s life and of his service to his country.”