A DECORATED war veteran who died penniless and with no family will receive a good send off thanks to the Royal British Legion.

Thomas Leslie, 86, died on May 8 , the 70th anniversary of VE Day, in a Christchurch nursing home.

Care home staff contacted the Royal British Legion before his death and members were quick to respond, visiting Mr Leslie several times before he passed away.

Now they are planning to attend his funeral tomorrow and are urging others to pay tribute to him.

Gerry Nunn, chairman of the Royal British Legion Christchurch branch, said staff from the Pinebeach Nursing Home in Friar's Cliff got in touch because they were concerned that Mr Leslie would have a council funeral.

"The matron thought it was very sad that she would possibly be the only person to go to his funeral so she got in touch with us," said Mr Nunn.

"I visited him a number of times and found out a bit about him, but I didn't find out many details because I didn't want to question him too much."

Mr Nunn said he discovered Mr Leslie had joined the Kings Own Scottish Borderers at the tender age of 14 and had served in the forces, including the Royal Engineers, for 34 years.

His career included several in bomb disposal and he has medals showing he served in Palestine, Cyprus and Korea.

Tomorrow representatives from the Legion and a Standard Bearer from the Royal Engineers Association of Bournemouth will attend Mr Leslie's funeral and Mr Nunn hopes others will join them.

"We are happy to attend to pay tribute to Mr Leslie and if there are any like-minded people out there we would be delighted to see them," said Mr Nunn.

The funeral service will take place at Bournemouth Crematorium at 9.30am.