A COMMEMORATIVE double-decker bus has been unveiled in memory of a Second World War veteran.

The Arriva bus was revealed yesterday, at St James the Great Church, Leigh, in tribute to Charles Benford complete with two plaques.

Echo:

They state: “Lest we Forget, Charles Benford, a true hero”.

Charles fought in the Second World War, and took part in D-Day, on June 6, 1944.

The bus also includes a Tommy silhouette on the side recognising the heroes from the First World War and a poppy.

It was unveiled by Mayor of Southend John Lamb, Pat Lamb, the Mayoress, and Mr Benford’s two children, Sandra Jane and John Benford.

Charles, who lived in Southend all his life, “would have been chuffed” with the bus, according to Sandra. The 72-year-old, said: “He would be so proud.

“He would have loved the whole thing.

“He definitely would have travelled on the bus if he would have had the chance.

“He loved going into schools and talking to the children about his time in the war.

“A couple of hundred people came to his birthday party in June.”

Charles died on July 25 just days after turning 100-years-old.

John, 68, described what Charles was like as a father. He said: “He was amazing.

He taught us all we know.

“Dad was always growing fruit and veg in his garden. We took him to Normandy every year until he was 97. That’s what kept him going.

“He always used to come to this church, which makes it even more special. He was treasurer here for 49 years.

“He died on St James day, which is really appropriate.

“The church was packed for his funeral.

“He never told us about the war, not until the grandkids started studying it at school.”

Mr Lamb said: “I’m very pleased to be here, as is Pat. It’s a great event in memory of Charles. He lived all that time. I attended his birthday which was a superb celebration. We were planning to give him the freeman of the borough title before he passed away.”

Graham Wykes, general manager at Arriva’s Southend depot, said: “We are delighted to be able to honour a local hero by naming one of our buses in his memory.

“At Arriva, we have a close relationship with the local Royal British Legion branches and are proud to be able to work with them every year.

“The Legion does remarkable work to remember those who fought for our freedom, and this year we wanted to also do our bit to ensure we paid our respects to Charles, who was much loved by all who knew him.”