VETERANS and family members have paid respects to one of the last D-Day veterans in Cumbria.

Albert Madine, of the Fifth Battalion of Seaforth Highlanders, passed away on Friday, January 17, leading to an out-pouring of tributes. He was 94.

Mr Madine was born on Quay Street, Whitehaven and more recently lived on Dalegarth Avenue in Mirehouse.

He was laid to rest yesterday at Distington Hall Crematorium, with a ceremony that marked his service in the armed forces.

And the Royal British Legion standards were out for Mr Madine, including that of Cumberland and Westmorland.

He was remembered as one of the first troops on the ground at Normandy.

A piper played their procession of mourners into the crematorium, a mark of respect for his time in the Fifth Battalion. Donning the Sutherland kilt, which bore a wildcat, the Seaforth Highlanders were traditionally accompanied to battle by a piper.

In 2016 Mr Madine received the highest French order of merit, the Legion d’Honneur.

The service was led by Jill Ackerley who said: “There is no such thing as an ex-soldier. Once a soldier, always a soldier.

“One of the first troops to land on Sword Beach, so much for this young lad from Whitehaven to live through. Unimaginable.”

She added: “A true family man. When the children were young he took them camping every year. You can imagine that these trips would be full of fun and laughter.”

In an emotional tribute, son Darren said “You touched the lives of so many people.

“I think I can say sir, you’ve done that job, now rest. You have done so much.”