VETERANS are calling for people to give ‘a fitting send-off’ to a 101-year-old former Royal Navy engineer who leaves little family to attend his funeral.

Ernest Capstaff, who lived in Clitheroe, served in the navy during the Second World War and his only remaining family is his niece, her husband, a brother and a nephew.

Appeals have been shared thousands of times on social media to encourage veterans and others to come along and honour him.

His funeral will be held at Accrington Crematorium on Thursday at 12.20pm and members of the Royal British Legion and other organisations are encouraged to arrive for midday.

Sergeant Rick Clement, who lost his legs serving in Afghanistan, is leading the calls for people to come and show their respect for the ex-serviceman.

The 37-year-old, from Clitheroe, said: “Unfortunately, this is something that seems to occur quite a bit when people reach a certain age and don’t have much family left.

“This is a man who gave his life to represent his country.

“It is important that members from the armed forces come and pay their respects, as well as members of the general public.”

Mr Capstaff joined the Royal Navy in 1945 towards the end of the Second World War and was later a chemical engineer at Hanson Cement in Clitheroe.

He travelled around the world as part of the armed forces, and he also sailed to the North and South Poles on his own.

Members of the Royal British Legion and other organisations have confirmed they will be attending the funeral and sending standard bearers.

Trevor Dawson, chairman of the Accrington RBL branch, said: “We are planning to get as many branch members as possible to go along.

“It will be good thing to go and show our support for his remaining family and honour the Royal Navy veteran.

“We want to give him a fitting send-off.”

“He had a good innings and he deserves to be recognised.”

The appeal to get people to attend the funeral has also been shared by community groups and charities across East Lancashire.

May Edmundson, president of the Accrington Lions, said: “We’ll be getting as many Lions to come along as possible.

“We just want to go along to say thank you.”

Representatives from the Accrington Sea Cadets, Hyndburn Council and more have also confirmed they will be attending the service.

Clitheroe Funeral Service will be arranging the service.