A PIPER in full costume played as he walked in front of the hearse to accompany an old Runcorn soldier on his final journey.

Ronald Davies, aged 82, who served with the Royal Ordnance Corps, was finally laid to rest, thanks to veterans.

He had lain in the morgue at Whiston Hospital since he died on March 18, because his family couldn’t afford his funeral.

His son, Keith and daughter, Marie, said they felt so relieved when his military family stepped in to help.

Steve Hall of South Liverpool Veterans Association organised the funeral and funded it through donations.

He said: “We just wanted to help him because he was a veteran.

“His son and daughter were overwhelmed with the service.

“A piper played him into the crematorium and a bugler played the Last Post.”

Four veterans acted as pall bearers and more than 50 servicemen turned up to pay their respects.

Royal Signals padre John Williams led the service.

Mr Davies’ son, Keith, aged 52, from Castlefields, said: “The funeral was absolutely unbelievable. It was very moving.

“We can’t thank the veterans enough. So many strangers with a kind heart rallied round to help.

“It was more than we could ever have imagined.”

The funeral was held at Walton Lea Crematorium.