HUNDREDS of people attended a funeral for an RAF veteran who died with no living relatives after an appeal went viral.

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, asked people if they could attend the funeral of Leonard King, 94.

Michele Turner-Everett, the divisional secretary of Southend and Rochford SSAFA, said: “It is incredibly sad when a veteran dies with no friends or family to celebrate their life and service to our country.

“After hearing about the funeral for RAF veteran Leonard John King, SSAFA Southend arranged for a bugler and flag bearer to attend to ensure our respects were paid to this brave man. We were honoured to be able to help ensure Mr King had a fitting celebration of his life.”

Gary Green, group manager for Bereavement Services at Southend Council, said: “It was great to see both the local community, and people from further afield, turning out in such great numbers to attend Mr King’s funeral and pay their respect to this local RAF war veteran.”