A PROUD band of veteran warriors marched onto the BBC last week, parading in their scarlet uniforms at the annual Chelsea Flower Show.

But John Griffiths was not striding out in step with his Chelsea Pensioner comrades at the Royal Hospital in London.

For John, a great-great-grandfather, had died just before his 92 birthday, after serving three spells in the Army between 1941 and 1958, totalling almost 17 years.

Shortly after signing up, John, who was originally from Parr, was posted to India and served in Burma during the war.

His daughter Denise Hill, 52, explained: “He always wanted to be a Chelsea Pensioner and after completing a certain amount of years in the Army, you are eligible to apply. He was in the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the home of the Chelsea pensioners, for 26 years.”

Following the war, he would go on to serve in the Middle East and Hong Kong and reached the rank of sergeant.

Life outside the Army saw him work as a fitter for almost 20 years, then a caretaker at Rivington Road between 1976 and 1986.

His funeral service was held in London however, his family brought his ashes back to St Helens.

Denise added: “Even though he spent so long there, he alway