A regional daily has issued a front page plea for readers to help a Second World War veteran celebrate his 105th birthday.

The Lancashire Post is urging its readers to send birthday cards to Ernest Horsfall, who has no surviving relatives and is due to turn 105 next month.

Mr Horsfall served in London during the Blitz before joining the Allied campaign in North Africa, then went to Italy to maintain Allied tanks, directing 23 Italian civilian mechanics.

He was also a private pilot until the age of 93 when companies would no longer insure him, but continued to co-pilot and work as an aircraft inspector until the age of 101.

The Preston-based Post splashed on the appeal, launched by the Royal British Legion, last week.

Editor Nicola Adam told HTFP: “We overuse the word legend in journalism but Ernie, who is still sharp as a tack at almost 105, deserves to be celebrated as one.

“Not only is he a war veteran, former pilot and survived the Blitz, he continues to live life as fully as he can, including twice weekly chats with his 67-year-old girlfriend in Iceland.

“But he has no surviving family and would absolutely love to see get hundreds of cards for his birthday and be showered with attention, so we are hoping he gets a birthday to remember.”

Anyone wishing to send a card can write to Ernest Horsfall at Brooklands, 6 Black Bull Lane, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 3PU.