FRIENDS, family and fellow war veterans have said a final farewell to a heroic D-Day landing veteran.

About 100 people attended a requiem mass and paid tribute to Gerry Taylor (pictured), a decorated Normandy veteran who died on August 25, aged 85.

Military music welcomed mourners to Our Lady Help Of Christians and St Denis St Marychurch Roman Catholic church.

Mr Taylor's Union Flag-draped-coffin was then carried into the church to the singing of Jerusalem.

Members of the Normandy Veterans Association South Devon branch stood inside the church to pay their respect to one of their own. All proudly wore their medals and carried regimental flags.

In his homily Father Jonathan Shaddock said Mr Taylor, who was born in 1924, and moved to Torquay more than 20 years ago, 'lived on in our memories of him'.

In a heartfelt tribute, Gerry's grandson Dani, said his grandad was a 'genuine hero who served his country and was a hero in other countries'.

Dani said: "My grandad was a hero to his family. We were all very proud of him.

"My grandad was a caring, generous and funny man.

"He was selfless and gave up his time for us. He was also mischievous and had a great senses of humour.

"My grandad was a modest man who never bragged about his war time.

"He will never be forgotten."

Another member of Mr Taylor's family said the Normandy veteran was a 'great story teller' who had hundreds of stories and a phenomenal memory.

Tony Rider, honorary secretary of the South Devon Normandy Veterans' Association, also paid tribute to his long-time friend .

He said: "Gerry was a good friend of the association and was always ready to help us raise fund for us. He will be sadly missed by us all. It has been a privilege to know him."

Gerry, who lived in Torquay, was a Normandy veteran whose bravery earned him the Polish equivalent of the Victoria Cross.

He received his medal for braving rifle fire to help a Polish tank crew during fighting in Holland.

As the coffin carrying Gerry to his last resting place left the church, a bugle player sounded the Last Post.

Gerry Taylor, whose funeral took place on Friday September 3, is survived by daughters Ann and Jean, son-in-law Brad and grandchildren Dani and Kelly.