TRIBUTES have been paid to a war veteran who worked tirelessly on behalf of numerous North-East associations.

Leslie Gustard, 82, president of the Durham branch of the Normandy Veterans' Association, died late last month following a short illness.

He had been president for a number of years and since 1982 attended every Whitehall Parade, with one exception in 1987 when he was in Australia with his wife, Irene.

Mrs Gustard said: "He was very dedicated and very generous with his time, nothing was ever too much trouble for him.

"He also worked hard for the Combined Services Association in Billingham and was their president as well."

Mr Gustard joined the TA when 15-years-old and fought in the Second World War from the beginning, being promoted to sergeant at the age of 21.

His main campaign was in Normandy and he landed on D-Day at Port En Basin, where he was promoted to lieutenant in the field.

Afterwards, Mr Gustard travelled through France, Germany and Holland before becoming captain.

Mrs Gustard, 78, said: "He always had so many tales to tell as he had seen a lot of things.

"He loved being in the Army, but left in 1946 after deciding that after seven years away he wanted to be back home."

The couple met at a dance in Sunderland and were married for 54 years with two children, and two grandchildren.

After leaving the army, Mr Gustard, from Billingham, went on to work in the Sunderland Forge and ICI at Billingham.

He enjoyed travelling and made regular trips to Normandy and Holland, for liberation and remembrance events with the Normandy Veterans' Association.

Mrs Gustard said: "He worked very hard in everything he did and will be missed by everyone who knew him."