A family laid wreaths in Petts Wood War Memorial garden to commemorate an 86-year-old woman who dedicated her life to the Royal British Legion.

Joan Shepherd from St Paul’s Cray, who passed away recently, had planned to visit Normandy and take part in the 70th anniversary commemorations .

Her granddaughter, Marie Hamshere, 33, from Abbey Wood, said: “She was heavily involved in all the organisations.

“She was a Normandy veteran and would go to all of the meetings.

“My family were all about these organisations. She dedicated her life to the British Legion.”

The family laid a wreath from the Normandy Veteran Society and a small ceremony was conducted by David Manning, 74, Vice President of the Petts Wood branch of the Royal British Legion.

He said: “On occasions like this, either the president or myself will conduct a small ceremony at the relatives request or we offer it to them.

“We are also hoping to improve this garden with the lottery grant. We are putting in an application to improve it.”