THE great and good of Chard have bid farewell to one of the community’s cornerstones.

Following on from the tributes given in last week’s News, townsfolk gathered to say their last goodbyes to Arthur Helbert.

Born in Cornwall, Arthur was known around the town as a Legion d’Honneur recipient for his role in the D-Day landings, as well 50 years of service for Chard’s British Legion branch.

He was also a loyal member of other clubs around the town, including the Chard Light Operatic Society, where he build and moved scenery backstage during productions.

Six Royal British Legion branch flag-bearers accompanied the coffin, and homage was paid to Arthur’s service, both during the war and as a dad.

Although Athur passed away peacefully in his sleep at the great age of 96, his children and grandchildren did know what his last words would have been.

Greg, Arthur’s eldest son said: “When he was being wheeled away for the operation on his hip, which he returned from, he turned and said ‘If I’m not back Cheerio ‘.

Mayor of Chard, Cllr Garry Shortland, said: “It was an honour to be asked to attend.

“It is one of those occasions where you never really realised exactly how much somebody had done for the community until they are gone.

“He really was an asset for this town.”