A funeral service has been held for a veteran from the Parachute Regiment, who had lived at a Mitcham care home for nearly 13 years.

James 'Jimmy' Ashdown had been living at HC-One's Fieldway care home in Mitcham when he sadly died aged 92.

But his final sendoff at Richmond Cemetery last month saw history repeat itself.

Jimmy was renowned for his tribute, at the age of 55, to a Regimental Sergeant Major at his funeral at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

He had walked 30 miles from his home in London to attend the service, donning his Parachute Regiment red beret and paying his respects with a wreath and red rose.

Jimmy Ashdown at the Sandhurst service

Jimmy Ashdown at the Sandhurst service

He made the journey with no tent or can opener, merely an umbrella and tarpaulin to sleep on for his overnight stop.

For Jimmy's funeral in February, HC-One head of occupancy, Guy Muir, was present at the graveside - coincidentally he is also 55 years old, and paid a similar tribute to Jimmy's by wearing his own red beret and laying red roses at the grave.

Guy commented: “The service was beautifully conducted and the final music as they left the service was the theme tune from ‘A Bridge Too Far’. This was very fitting and James would have been extremely proud of his family and friends for arranging such a good send off on his final mission.

Jimmys grave adorned with tributes

Jimmy's grave adorned with tributes

“Our thoughts are with his beloved wife, Pamela, loving daughter, Lesley-Ann, and all the family at this sad time.”