TRIBUTES have been paid to a Word War Two veteran from Frampton Cotterell, who sadly passed away at the age of 90.

Royston “Roy” Fudge, the late president of Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath branch of the Royal British Legion, was one of the group’s last members to serve in the war, having served in the Royal Navy on HMS Beagle, HMS Formidable and HMS Rogue from 1942 until the end of the conflict.

During his service he served on one of the ships that liberated the Channel Islands, as well as escorting vessels carrying supplies to Russia in the Battle of the Atlantic. In both cases he was awarded medals, including two from the Russian government - one from President Mikhael Gorbachev and one from President Vladimir Putin.

Roy also received a medal from the grateful people of the Soviet Union in gratitude for his duties.

Coming from the Charfield area, Roy and his wife Mary lived in Frampton Cotterell for many years, raising their two children.

Roy joined the Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath branch of the British Royal Legion, remaining a member for the rest of his life.

As well as serving on the branch committee and later as president, Roy was always willing to help the elderly and the infirm, and took on the mantle of welfare officer and visiting those who were ill, always ready with a smile and a kind word.

Sadly Roy passed away at home on September 9, having fought a long battle with cancer, with a service for friends and family at Westerleigh Crematorium taking place a few days later.

“Roy was a real character,” said Eddie Jones, chairman of the Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath branch.

“Everybody liked him and had plenty of time for him. His wit was one of a kind.

“It is amazing to think how active he was, right until the very end. Even until only a few years ago he would be on the roof doing odd jobs and would always be so involved with the poppy appeal.

“Everything was Legion with Roy and we will all miss him tremendously.”