ROYAL British Legion (RBL) members from across South Gloucestershire are expected to pack out St Mary’s Church in Yate today (Thursday, May 5) for the funeral of a long-serving member and former police sergeant in Chipping Sodbury.

Roger Thomas, who joined the legion more than 40 years ago, died following a short battle with cancer.

Mr Thomas, 77, who lived in Yate and was a regular member of the congregation at St Mary’s, leaves behind his wife Penny and adult children Lucy and Richard.

The former county chairman of Gloucestershire’s Royal British Legion served in the RAF for 12 years, having signed up in 1957, during which time he met his wife, who also served in the force.

He joined Kent County Constabulary before transferring to Avon and Somerset Constabulary in the early 1970s and was a familiar face as Chipping Sodbury’s bobby on the beat.

Already a member of the Southwold branch of the RBL, which at the time had its own club at 41 High Street in Chipping Sodbury, the Badminton branch needed a treasurer and Roger was invited to join, a position he kept for 40 years.

His lifelong friend and Badminton branch welfare officer, Jim Ruston, said: “He gave a life of service.

“He was a legion stalwart. The events Roger helped to organise over the years are just too many to mention, but one thing was always constant - Roger keeping his eyes on the takings.

“He was involved in a lot of the fundraising with the Poppy Appeal always to the front of activities and he organised the Anzac service from 1989 to 2004 at Leighterton.

“He also audited accounts for the RBL in the areas of Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Bristol and was a training officer within the county. Most recently Roger was instrumental in bringing about the joining of the Hawkesbury Upton branch with the Badminton branch which is proving a great success.”

Added Mr Ruston: “He was always thinking of others and putting them before himself. He was a real I can do man and he achieved an awful lot.

“This year marks his 40th of service with the RBL and he will not be forgotten.”

The funeral takes place a St Mary’s Church in Yate today at 1.30pm and all who knew Roger are welcome. Donations will be welcomed for the Royal British Legion.