THE 'family' of a decorated war veteran turned out to pay moving tribute to his long life of service.

Thomas Leslie died on the 70th anniversary of VE Day in a Christchurch nursing home, and had no relatives to attend his funeral.

But after the home's matron alerted the Christchurch branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) in the fortnight before Mr Leslie's death, his ex-forces 'brothers' came together to ensure that he was remembered.

More than 120 people gathered at Bournemouth Crematorium to honour the 86-year-old's life.

Speaking before the service, Pinebeach Nursing Home matron Beverley Hoar said she was overwhelmed by the response from members of the public and former servicemen and women.

"He deserves it - he really does," she said.

"He was such a gentle, lovely man. We didn't want him to be alone today. It is wonderful to see so many people."

Tom Jones, who served with the Army's Life Guards, had tears in his eyes as he said: "I'm 86, and Mr Leslie was 86.

"I was in Palestine - he was in Palestine. All he ever had to do was pick up the phone and we'd all have been there. We're brothers - we're family. That's how it works for us."

His words were echoed by Dave Wood, south west charity co-ordinator for Homes4Heroes.

"He might not have had any immediate family, but today we're his family, and we're proud to be here," he said.

Gerry Nunn, chair of the Christchurch RBL, stood to speak at the packed service.

Mr Nunn got to know Mr Leslie in the days before his death, learning that he had joined the Kings Own Scottish Borderers at the age of just 14, serving in the forces, including the Royal Engineers, for 34 years.

He worked for some years in bomb disposal and he has medals showing he served in Palestine, Cyprus and Korea.

In later years, Mr Leslie became a familiar face to many in New Milton as he collected for services charities.

"He was the youngest of a family of nine, and in his own words was 'a bit of a handful'," Mr Nunn said.

"He was part of the service community - the service family we all belong to."

Following the service, those who had attended to pay their respects lined the chapel to individually bow their heads to the coffin.

To support the work of the RBL, visit Britishlegion.org.uk