A Welshpool second world war veteran and former mayor of the town has died aged 95.

John Gwilt, who was also president of the Welshpool branch of the Royal British Legion, leaves behind a legacy of public service spanning several decades having served the people of Welshpool on Welshpool Borough Council, Montgomeryshire District Council and Welshpool Town Council. He served as mayor of the town between 2001 and 2003.

He was also County Constituency Party Chairman of the Montgomeryshire Labour party, and a member of National Union of Railwaymen and the National Union of Public Employees.

He was described as a popular man who would be sadly missed in a statement by Welshpool Town Council.

"The Councillors, Town Clerk and Staff at Welshpool Town Council were saddened to hear of the passing of John Gwilt," read the statement.

"John was a past Mayor of Welshpool from 2001 to 2003 and took a leading role in a lot of Council affairs both locally and at district level.

"John attended the Day Centre in recent months and was very popular with the residents."

Mr Gwilt served in North Africa, France, Germany and Italy with the Royal Artillery.

During a Royal visit in March 2013 Mr Gwilt chatted with the queen about his work with 'Legion'.

He said at the time: “The Queen asked me about the legion, she was in the Army herself you know and she is our patron, so she couldn’t walk by.”

In 2015, he was recognised with an award from the Royal British Legion after 30 years selling poppies ahead of remembrance day events in the town.

Mayor of Welshpool Steven Kaye said Mr Gwilt would be missed greatly by all who knew him.

"John will be sadly missed, he was one of the town's heroes, doing so much for the Town and it's residents as well as being a veteran of the second world war. We will all miss him greatly," he said.

The council also confirmed that the flag on the Town Hall has been put at half-mast in recognition of John.