THE life of a respected veteran, who raised more than £1 million for the Royal British Legion, will be remembered today in one of the 'biggest funeral's in the Hampshire branches' history'.

The funeral of Norman Brown MBE is set to be held at Wessex Vale Crematorium in West End at 11am.

The lifelong Eastleigh resident, described as the 'backbone' for Hampshire's Poppy Appeal for more than two decades, died on August 10, aged 92.

RBL members, councillors, dignitaries are all expected to attend the event, which will include armoured cars, fire engines and eight standard bearers.

Paul Capper, chairman of Eastleigh, Chandler’s Ford and District Branch of The Royal British Legion, said: “He was simply Mr Eastleigh, being one of the old school gentlemen of his era.

"Totally dependable, quiet, kind and just one of life’s treasures the like of whom we will never see again.”

All are welcome to attend Mr Brown's funeral.