A FORMER paratrooper who fought in Europe during the war has died aged 88.

William Carter served in the 12th Battalion Yorkshire Parachute Regiment and was also sent to Singapore to fight the Japanese.

He was also one of the many who put their life on the line to parachute into the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944.

Mr Carter, best known as Bill, worked for many years at Howard and Bullough’s Engineering in Accrington as a foundryman following the war.

He later worked as an engineer at English Electric until his retirement.

As well as taking regular holidays to Jersey, which he enjoyed with his late wife Joan, Mr Carter was a keen gardener.

A keen bowler, Mr Carter was also a member of Rishton’s Free Gardeners Club.

Mr Carter, who lived at Hope House Nursing Home, in Clayton-le-Moors, died on New Year’s Eve.

A funeral service was held at Accrington Crematorium on Thursday, January 9.

Mr Carter was survived by his son Vincent, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Donations are still being received at Dementia UK, care of Hyndburn Funeral Services, Queens Road, Accrington.

Call 01254 233133 with enquiries.