A PENSIONER hoping to make a final pilgrimage to the island he was taken prisoner on during World War Two has died five weeks before the trip.

Bill Helm was planning to take part in a fortnight of ceremonies and memorial services on Crete in May to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Crete but died suddenly on Monday morning.

His son David said his father, who had a weak heart but was otherwise in good health, died of a suspected heart attack. "It came as a shock as it was so sudden. He was fine the day before, although we knew he had problems with his heart."

The death is a severe blow for the family, who were looking forward to being with Mr Helm as he made his last journey to the island.

David said: "He wanted more than anything to make the trip to Crete with his family."

A funeral for Mr Helm, of Charter Brook in Great Harwood, with take place at 11am on March 19 at All Saints Church, Whalley, before burial at Whalley and Whiswell Ceremony.

David said his father was the secretary of East Lancashire's Crete Veteran's Association, and anyone wanting to make donations to the association can send them to Parkhead Farmhouse, Accrington Road, Whalley, Clitheroe, BB7 9DN.