Tributes have been paid to the man believed to be Welshpool's last surviving Second World War veteran, who has died, aged 99.

Jack Ellis MBE of Berriew passed away on the morning of Sunday, October 3 - just three weeks before his 100th birthday.

Mr Ellis began the war with his father as part of Berriew Home Guard before being called up and served with the Royal Welch Fusilier battalion that became part of the Parachute Regiment, taking part in action in Italy and North Africa among other places.

Following the war he became a builder and was also an undertaker, and for many years he owned a hardware shop in Hall Street, Welshpool.

In a statement, Alan Williams, the chairman of Welshpool and District Royal British Legion, said Mr Ellis would be "greatly missed", and passed his condolences to his family.

"It is with great sadness that we were informed of the passing of our last veteran of the second World War, our Jack Ellis MBE, yesterday morning," he said.

"He will be missed by all at our branch of the Welshpool and District Royal British Legion. He always made a big effort to attend the events that we ran at the branch, and in his younger years was very active as the Standard Bearer for Wales. Jack was always on hand to help with any aspects of running the branch.

"RIP Jack - you will be greatly missed by all far and wide in the RBL. May we wish our deepest condolences to his family."

Having joined the Berriew branch of the Royal British Legion, Mr Ellis went on to hold numerous officer positions both at branch and county level including secretary and chairman.

He was appointed Berriew branch Standard Berriew then becoming the county standard bearer, Wales' standard bearer and the Legion's UK standard bearer which saw him carry the National Standard at the Royal Albert Hall.

As Wales' standard bearer he carried the standard along side those from the other UK countries behind the gun carriage bearing the coffin of Sir Winston Churchill.

In 1972, to mark its 50th anniversary, the Queen bestowed a royal title to the then British Legion and as the National Standard Bearer Jack carried the old standard into Westminster Abbey to be laid up, and carried the newly dedicated Royal British Legion standard out.

In 1995 Mr Ellis was awarded the MBE for his services to ex-Servicemen and Women and in particular Crossfield House - the legions home for veterans in Rhayader.

He is survived by two sons, a daughter, plus grand children and great grand children.