A Second World War hero died as the Last Post played at 11am on Remembrance Sunday.

Ralph Jones was shot four times fighting in the thick of the Normandy Landings and the Allied push into Germany.

One bullet remained lodged in his stomach permanently.

It was fitting that a surprise party was planned to celebrate the 94th birthday of ex-Paratrooper Ralph Jones this weekend.

But six days before the party he passed away – at 11am on Sunday, holding the hands of two nurses in Salford Royal Hospital as the Last Post was played across the country.

The Second World War hero was about to be reunited with two old comrades, Ken Oldham and Ray Schulk, who fought with him side by side in the 13th Battalion 6th Airborne Division during the Allied invasion in June 1944.

They were among 100 guests who were due to attend at party at Broughton House care home for ex-servicemen, in Salford, where Ralph had lived since last year after moving from his home in Altrincham.

His daughter-in-law from America, a military band, friends and volunteers from the home and the Mayor of Salford were also guests.