SCORES of people are expected to turn out today for the funeral of old soldier Jim Thorpe who took great pride in his role as parade marshal for Devizes Remembrance Sunday parades.

The funeral for the Labour stalwart, former mayor and Kennet District councillor, who died aged 78 on June 25, will be held at St Joseph's Catholic Church, Devizes, at 11am, followed by a family only committal at West Wiltshire Crematorium in Semington.

The service will be followed by a wake at The Wyvern Club where those who knew Mr Thorpe as a relative, friend, colleague, civic leader, member of the Royal British Legion and charity fundraiser, will share stories of his life.

Mr Thorpe, who joined the army as a young man in the 1950s, worked his way up to Warrant Officer Class 1.

He was a sharp shot and gained a number of trophies for his prowess and passed on his knowledge as a weapons instructor.

His son Darren said: "Dad started life in civvy street as a sales rep and then went into business with a friend, finally retiring as a company director.

"He pursued local politics and became a Labour councillor, running for parliament in 1997. His highlight as a councillor was his mayoral year in 1998-99.

"Both Mum and Dad were immensely proud and honoured to be Mayor and Mayoress and to have been given the opportunity to serve the townsfolk of Devizes."

Mr Thorpe, who grew up in Huddersfield and went to the local grammar school, met his wife-to-be Dot on a blind date.

His son said: "At first Mum was not so keen as she thought he was a bit of a jack-the-lad, in fact in her own words 'he was a bit cocky'.

"However, Dad won over his lass from Devizes they were married in 1959 at St Joseph's Catholic Church Devizes. Together they travelled much of the world and served in places such as Bulgaria, Hong Kong and Germany. Dad also loved his time in the jungles of Burma."

Mr Thorpe also leaves two other children, Michelle and Adrian, grandchildren Zoe, Lianne, Sasha, Jamie, Jessica,

Nathan, Bethany, Ellie and Maddie and great grandchildren Hayley, Bradley, Shanley, Ryley, Toby and Kye.

The family requests no flowers but donations can be made to the Devizes Branch RBL and the LINK.