THE ROYAL British Legion are appealing to the community of St Helens to attend the funeral of Keith Rigby, a Navy captain who died with no immediate family or friends.

Keith Rigby, from St Helens and raised in Liverpool, is described as being a "very smart, proud man" who served in the Merchant Navy as a ship's captain.

With no immediate family or known friends, he lived the final years of his life as a "recluse" in a flat in Halewood, living in squalid conditions.

Aware that his funeral would likely be poorly attended, the Hale Branch of the RBL have appealed for people to attend his funeral and celebrate his life.

As a proud member of the the Merchant Navy and a recipient of the Navy pension fund, the team at the RBL found it fitting that the Merchant and wider Navy community, as well as the people of St Helens should come together to give Keith the send-off he deserves.

St Helens Star: Ex sea captain Keith Rigby was described as a "very smart, proud man"Ex sea captain Keith Rigby was described as a "very smart, proud man"

A spokesperson for the RBL said: "It would be nice, and a fitting tribute to Keith, if we could arrange a send-off for him, so I am asking that those who can do attend Keith's funeral."

They have also asked the Royal Navy and Army standard bearers to attend the funeral and are trying to arrange for a coffin drape and a bugler to perform on the day.

Mr Rigby's funeral is set to take place at 9.30am on Monday October, 4 at St Helens Crematorium, Rainford Road, St Helens.