DOZENS of people said a final farewell to a Hampshire D-Day veteran.

More than 70 people gathered at Southampton Crematorium for the funeral of Reginald Neile, pictured right, who was a member of the Normandy Veterans Association and Royal British Legion.

Affectionately known as Reg, family and friends described him as a gentleman who was passionate about telling the stories of those who served in the Second World War.

His role in D-Day – on June 6, 1944 – saw him serve onboard minesweeper HMS Gazelle which helped clear the way for the Allied forces to approach the Sword and Juno beaches in northern France.

He died aged 90, following a short battle with throat cancer.

His coffin was draped in the Union Jack flag and also had his beret and four medals on top of it. It was carried by his grandchildren Ryan Neile, Aaron Page, Nick Warburton, Rebecca Page and her partner Alan Deane.