FRIENDS and family have said a fond farewell to well-known Royal Wootton Bassett man Peter Gray who died recently.

Mr Gray 76 was noted for his strength, honesty, encouragement, humour and friendliness.

He is described as a good, hard-working man who loved to have fun and enjoyed a laugh.

At his funeral a guard of honour with the standards of the Royal British Legion and the Royal Engineers escorted his cortege through the town’s High Street, pausing briefly at the war memorial before continuing to Kingsdown Crematorium.

Mr Gray worked at Vastern Sawmills, before taking early retirement for health reasons.

His coffin was draped in the Union flag as well as the town flag which was later presented to his daughter Sarrah, in recognition of Mr Gray’s service.

The haunting strains of Amazing Grace, on bagpipes, preceded the funeral, at which Robert Rowe officiated.

The Mayor Coun Ian Ferries, Royal British Legion members, former comrades and workmates, friends and neighbours joined in remembering him.

Born in Lyneham, in August 1939, he was the only child of Edith and Samuel Gray. On leaving school he enlisted in the Royal Engineers and his personal pride in military service led to his involvement in the Royal British Legion, which he supported by fundraising and heightening awareness of the Legion’s work.

Mr Rowe said Mr Gray had a positive influence on many lives, and is remembered fondly by friends and family, including his grandchildren Sam and Frankie.