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Colleagues of old soldier Henry Vernon Holmes have been asked to rally around for his funeral.

Harry, 96, saw service in World War II but has died of pneumonia.

He has no family and wellwishers have sent out an invitation to his friends to give him a good send-off.

Representatives of various military organisations and charities are also expected to attend.

A Facebook message to Harry’s lost pals says any support by attending the service will be welcome.

His funeral takes place at West Road Crematorium, Newcastle, at 1.30pm.

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The posting said: “Sadly Henry Vernon Holmes former Royal Marine had a bad fall last week and when they got him to hospital it was discovered he had pneumonia.

“He passed away on Sunday 18th March aged 96 peacefully.

“A Second World War vet with service in Africa, Italy and Europe, he lived alone in sheltered accommodation, he has no family so any support will be welcomed at his funeral.”

Details of Harry’s service have been shared by Veterans Honoured, a website set up to encourage attendance at the funerals of retired veterans.