A FUNERAL service is to be held in memory of army veteran and former policeman David Fairclough.

David, otherwise known as ‘Len’ died aged 49 on Monday, August 13.

The service takes place at 10.30am on Monday, September 3 at St Thomas’ CE Church on Peter Street followed on at the St Helens Crematorium at 11.30am

From Grange Park, David served with the 1st Royal Tanks between 1986 and 1994.

He joined Merseyside Police afterwards where he served for about 10 years before working as a taxi driver at St Helens Black Cabs.

The City of Liverpool Royal British Legion said: “David’s parents and his sisters are completely devastated and are struggling to come to terms with their loss.

“They are extremely grateful and completely overwhelmed by the love and support they have received from the military community, the police and the taxi drivers but we politely ask if enquiries can now be (Facebook) inboxed to us or to Kiss Goodbye Funeral Directors on 01744 24088 in order to allow the family some privacy to grieve and make arrangements.”

They added: “We would appreciate if any of David’s taxi driver colleagues could follow the cortège from his house to the church or church to crematorium. Vehicles to form up on Springfield Road, St Helens.

“If there are any ex serving personnel available can they please attend in blazers/suits and medals, berets where possible in order to show solidarity for his grieving comrades and support to the family. We would like them to form a Guard of Honour outside the church and outside the crematorium.

“The family have requested if there are any Standard Bearers available on the day.

“Regimental Standards and Royal British Legion Standards are more than welcome to represent on the Day and if there are Regimental Standards available from any Regiment they will be gratefully welcomed. These are required for both the church and crematorium if possible, or even if Bearers could make one of the venues it would be appreciated.”

It is also asked if anyone is able to line the route from the entrance to the church or crematorium, any civilians or ex personnel available to do this, it would be a “touching tribute which the family would very much appreciate”.

Afterwards to celebrate the life of David a glass will be raised at Thatto Heath Labour Club.