Hundreds of people have paid their respects to a community stalwart who lost his battle with cancer last month.

The Comet: Standard bearers paid their respects to Ray Cole by bearing standards and forming a guard of honour for former Royal British Legion and poppy appeal collector Ray ColeStandard bearers paid their respects to Ray Cole by bearing standards and forming a guard of honour for former Royal British Legion and poppy appeal collector Ray Cole (Image: Archant)

Around 25 standard bearers attended a celebration of life event on Friday at the Letchworth Free Church to remember Ray Cole.

The Comet: The late Ray Cole who was recognised with a British Empire Medal.The late Ray Cole who was recognised with a British Empire Medal. (Image: Archant)

The former soldier played key roles in the local branches of the Royal British Legion and the Royal Artillery Association, raising thousands of pounds to help support war veterans.

Mr Cole, who was known to many as the Letchworth poppy man and was honoured with a BEM medal posthumously, died at 78 after battling bowel cancer since September 2012.

The funeral included a performance from Letchworth City Chorus conducted by Mr Cole’s son Tony.