LEGENDARY Flackwell Heath poppy seller and war hero Harry Merryweather has died at the age of 89.

The Second World War veteran passed away at his Fennels Way home on Monday afternoon with his daughter, Pamela Saunders, by his side.

The Londoner joined the 2nd Bucks Battalion when he was 15 and was posted to the electrical engineers in London.

He helped operate search lights in the capital during the Blitz.

He moved to Flackwell Heath in 1938 “when it was all just farms” and in 1942 he was posted to North Africa and Italy.

Following the war he served in the SAS for four years and later went on to work in the building trade.

After the death of his wife about 20 years ago, Mr Merryweather became renowned for his dedication to the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

Mr Merryweather would walk the streets collecting money and selling poppies for six hours a day in the weeks building up to Remembrance Day.

He told the Free Press in 2009 that Flackwell Heath residents “wouldn’t buy their poppies from anyone else” and vowed to “never give up” fundraising.

Mr Merryweather was invited to a garden party and tour of Buckingham Palace in 2007 for a royal thank you for his services to charity.

It is estimated he has raised more than £40,000 for the Poppy Appeal and was awarded the Buckinghamshire RBL’s Shield of Honour for services to the organisation in 2007.

It was presented to him again four years later.

Chairman of the Flackwell RBL branch George O'Leary visited Mr Merryweather on Monday. He said: “A lovely man, service before self.

“He was an amazing man, a true great. I don’t think we’ll ever find someone like Harry again - he was a one off.”

Mr Merryweather has two grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

A funeral service has yet to be arranged but the reception will be hosted by the Flackwell Heath Royal British Legion branch in Common Road.