Axminster and district has been saddened by the death of David Warner, much respected chairman of the Axminster branch of the Royal British Legion.

Mr Warner, aged 82, was admitted to the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital for a routine operation but caught COVID-19 and died.

As well as his work for the Royal British Legion, Mr Warner, who served in the Royal Navy, was also a founding member of the Axminster branch of the Royal Naval Association.

Mr Warner was born in the month the Second World War broke out. His father was captured by the Japanese during the war and never returned.

Educated at the Royal Navy School for boarding in Hazlemere, Hampshire, Mr Warner joined the Senior Service as a telegraphist/communications rating and served for 12 years.

After leaving the Navy Mr Warner joined the Surrey Police Force, serving in Hazelmere until he retired. He also worked for Surrey County Council.

On moving to Devon, Mr Warner lived in Uplyme before moving to Membury.

He held the position of head Minter Warden at St Mary's Parish Church and was keenly involved in the Axminster Heritage Centre.

He is survived by his wife Valery and two children from a previous marriage.

Cremation took place at the East Devon Crematorium in Whimple where the eulogy was given by former Axminster Mayor and Royal British Legion stalwart Mervyn Symes.