A COMMUNITY will celebrate the life of an army veteran after his sad death.

Chris Bundy, known as Twig, will be laid to rest at Southend Crematorium on Wednesday October 10.

Sadly both his children, who live in Australia, will not able to attend.

Ssafa, the armed forces charity, is calling on members of the community who may have known Chris to turn out to make his final goodbye a respectful tribute to his service to the country.

He joined the Royal Anglian regiment in the army at just 16-years-old, serving in Cyprus, Malta and the Aden.

Chris died at the age of 71.

He was also a keen bowls fan and played for Essex and England during his career.

SSAFA Southend’s Michelle Turner-Everett explained why it is so important.

She said: “Twig put his life on the line to protect us, it’s the least that we can do to give him one final thank you for his service to the Nation.

"I am personally calling on the local community to help us ensure that Chris Bundy is honoured in the right way - and I will proudly be there myself”.

For anyone in the community wishing to show their thanks for the veteran, the funeral will be held at Southend Crematorium in Sutton Road at 9.40am on Wednesday.