A WORLD WAR II veteran and former town councillor has died aged 100 years old.

John Thornton, from Buckley, passed away on Monday, July 22.

He had been mayor of the town on three separate occasions and spent 54 years as a councillor there. 

His 100th birthday last August was marked at the Jubilee Court Community Centre - the extension to which he had built when serving as mayor - and saw dozens of residents turn out for the celebration.

Mr Thornton, who was originally from Blackpool, moved to the Flintshire area during the Second World War.

The veteran joined the RAF in 1941 at the age of 18, serving for six years, and was part of the Burma campaign in southeast Asia, where he was also a Japanese prisoner of war.

In October of last year, he was made the first Freeman of Buckley to recognise his exceptional service to the area.

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Speaking during that ceremony, Mr Thornton had said: "Mr Thornton added: “I’m the first to have the Freedom of Buckley and I’m very proud of it. I’m proud of getting to 100 really as well!"

A funeral service for Mr Thornton will take place at Bistre Parish Church in Buckley, on Monday (August 5), at 11am, followed by interment in the Churchyard.

Donations in lieu of flowers will be gratefully received to be shared between Nightingale House and the Shooting Star Unit, Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

An obituary notice added that Mr Thornton was a 'beloved husband' of the late Ivy and a 'loving and wonderful' father to daughter Vanessa.

Several residents of Buckley took to the Buckley Residents Group on Facebook to share tributes to Mr Thornton.

Mary Kirk said: "Condolences and love to Vanessa from everyone at Jubilee court Senior Citizens association John was a wonderful friend and loved by all."

Shirley Green added: "Our condolences to Vanessa and family. Cllr Thornton was a gentleman and took time to listen and offered support and advice when we were were dealing with an issue locally. RIP Sir thank you for your help and support."

David Ellis wrote: "John was a lovely person and a very good Councillor for the Town of Buckley he will be sadly missed by everyone. Sincere condolences to all the family."