The late Percy Miles, who served as Mayor of Wootton Bassett three times, was honoured on Saturday at a well-attended ceremony in the town centre.

A brass plaque was unveiled at a public seat near the War Memorial, where in 2007 Percy took part in the first of many repatriations - events that ultimately led to the town being honoured with the royal title.

Percy, born at Broad Town in 1931, and raised in Wootton Bassett, died aged 82, five years ago.

After leaving the National School he worked for the Gas Board, and was the last person to tend the gas lamps that lit the town's streets.

He joined the Army in 1949, became the youngest Company Sgt Major in the Ordnance Corps and served with the United Nations in Cyprus. He and his wife Sally, who served in the WRAC, were married in 1955.

In 1971, back in civilian life, Percy benefited many people through his work as a homelessness officer. He founded a community centre in Swindon and helped establish the first refuge for needy wives and children.

He served for 25 years as a town councillor at Wootton Bassett and was Mayor in: 1987-88, 2001-2002 and 2006-2007. The inscription pays tribute to his selfless commitment to improving the lives of others.

Percy Miles was also a Poppy Appeal organiser for the Royal British Legion, of which he was a staunch member, and he was always ready to help charitable causes, including the Make A Wish Foundation. He was a long-serving chairman of the Memorial Hall committee.

Percy's family, Sally Miles, their son Stephen and daughters Pauline Togwell and Toni Fletcher, were joined by grandchildren, great grandchildren, civic dignitaries and many guests at the public ceremony on Saturday. Reminiscences and light refreshments at The Cross Keys followed.