A ONE hundred year old veteran remembered fallen comrades at a service to mark the 70th anniversary of VE day.

Ernest Carr - one of England's oldest poppy sellers - laid at wreath at St Oswald's Church, Guiseley, in honour of those who lost their lives.

He was one of the Royal British Legion members who joined forces with St Oswald's for the commemoration.

Mr Carr saw active service in the Reconnaissance Corps in the Second World War in France, Germany and Belgium, and counts himself as lucky to be alive.

Still very much an active member of the Royal British Legion, he sells poppies, at the RBL stall in Yeadon for the entire fortnight of the appeal in November. Last year he was one of three veterans who helped to collect £30,000 for the Poppy Appeal in Aireborough.

Veterans, cubs and brownies were among those who packed St Oswald's at the special parade service on Sunday, May 10.

The British Legion were actively involved in the service, which opened with the presentation of flags and standards. Elsie Turner, the secretary of the Guiseley branch of the Royal British Legion, was a standard bearer. The Riders’ Branch of the Legion was also represented, by, among others, Ian Wilson, who works at the Guiseley branch Pop in Centre.

Guiseley Brass Band, led by Roy Stevenson, gave a moving rendition of the Last Post, and the event culminated with a wreath laid in church by Mr Carr.

During the service, the Rector of Guiseley with Esholt, Father David Pickett was officially appointed Chaplain of the Guiseley branch of the British Legion and was presented with a ceremonial stole by George Robertson, a former Bevin Boy and Chairman of the branch.

Father David, who is a former officer in the RAF, said: "There are so many people to thank, and every one of them made it such a memorable and moving experience; it was an immense privilege for me to lead this service."