ONE of Stourbridge's last remaining D-Day veterans has died at the age of 94.

Former Royal Marine Dennis Bolter, who was involved with the first wave of D-Day landings which led to the liberation of France, passed away peacefully on July 27 - just days after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Just a few years ago - Mr Bolter, who lived on The Broadway in Norton for more than 60 years, was awarded one of the highest honours France can give in gratitude for his wartime heroics.

He was presented with the Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur in 2015 in recognition of his bravery during WWII - and just a few months ago he made a final visit to Normandy in France where he first saw action as a 20-year-old when he landed on Gold Beach, Arrowmache, on June 6 1944.

He previously told the News that on arrival he was hit by shrapnel on the back of the neck, but was told to carry on after a plaster was stuck over the wound.

His regiment was later called back to try to open up the seaway in Antwerp in October and "that was even worse" he recalled and there were a great many casualties.

After the war - Lye-born Mr Bolter returned to his job at construction and drop forging firm Arthur Edge and Company in Cradley Heath where he became works manager; and he stayed at the company, which was later taken over by Caparo, until his retirement.

Daughter Mary Walker described him as an "amazing father" and the "best granddad" - adding: "He was kind, supportive and he was always my hero."

Mr Bolter, whose wife Alice died in 2013, was a familiar face collecting for the Royal British Legion's annual Poppy Appeal in the Ryemarket and laying the wreath on behalf of the Marines Association on Remembrance Day.

His son-in-law Eric Walker said: "Dennis lived his life to the full and he was a popular figure in local military and civic circles. He was so proud to have been granted the Legion of Honour by the French authorities."

Mary added: "They also gave him freedom of the city and he had champagne receptions and met the mayor; he really enjoyed his trips to Normandy."

As well as his only daughter - Mr Bolter leaves two grandsons James and Mark and one-year-old great grandchildren, Esme and Rex.

Stourbridge Marines Association will form a guard of honour and The Last Post will be played at his funeral, which will be held at St Thomas's Church, Stourbridge, at 10.45am tomorrow (Thursday August 30).