Appeals have been issued for armed forces veterans to attend the funeral of a soldier who has no known local family or friends.

Private Alan Kenneth Cole died at James Paget University Hospital on February 2. He was 83.

As Mr Cole had no known friends or family in the area, Chris Blyth, armed forces advocate for the Paget, has appealed for veterans to attend his funeral at Gorleston Crematorium on Wednesday at 1.45pm.

In a letter, Mr Blyth wrote: "The individual has no known friends and hasn’t seen family members for a number of years. He served with the Parachute Regiment for a number of years.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Private Alan Cole while on tour. Picture - SubmittedPrivate Alan Cole while on tour. Picture - Submitted (Image: Submitted)"I don’t believe any veteran should pass without recognition."

Serving in the 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment between September 1965 and November 1971, Mr Cole was posted in the Middle East in 1966.

He was awarded the General Service Medal in 1969.  

It is reported other retired paras will be in attendance, as well as standard bearers from the town’s Royal Air Force Association.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Alan Cole later in life. Picture - SubmittedAlan Cole later in life. Picture - Submitted (Image: Submitted)