Hundreds of people are expected to attend the funeral of a war veteran they never knew after it emerged he died with no close friends or relatives.
Harold Jellicoe Percival, a distant relative of Spencer Perceval – the only British prime minister to be assassinated – helped with the famous Dambusters raids during the Second World War.
He died last month aged 99 in a nursing home.
Poignantly for the ex-military man, his funeral service will be held at 11am on Armistice Day.
But Mr Percival, who served as ground crew with RAF Bomber Command, never married, had no children and has no close family members able to attend the service at the Lytham Park Crematorium, Lytham St Annes, in Lancashire.
However, thousands have been stirred into action to ensure Mr Percival is given the send-off he deserves.
Comedian Jason Manford is one of many who has been helping to share the story and asking people in the area to turn out to show their respects.
Those involved in organising the funeral say they have now been contacted by veterans’ groups and other military supporters keen to acknowledge Mr Percival’s career.
Edmund Jacobs, of Roland L Whitehead and Daughter funeral directors, said: “We’re hoping a few faces will turn up and show their support for a war hero.
“It doesn’t sit well with me that somebody who has served their country can be forgotten about, that his service can go un-noted. I am sure he would have had a few stories to tell.”
The service takes place at 11am on Monday, at Lytham Park Crematorium.