One of Monmouth's best known characters, Len Jenkins, has died at Chepstow Community Hospital the age of 98.

Len was known to many as an assistant at Monmouth's Regimental Museum, where he faithfully opened the Museum for visitors every weekend in both summer and winter.

As a young man he played football and cricket for the town, while in his 90s he took up pool, playing in competitive matches for The Mayhill. He also played crib for the Gloster House.

Born at the old Black Swan, Len was a pupil at Major Reade's School before taking up employment in the grocery business. His last job before retiring in 1977 was at ROF Glascoed.

He joined the Army Supplementary Reserve at Monmouth Castle as a Royal Engineers' driver in 1936 and on the outbreak of the Second World War sailed to Nantes as part of the British Expeditionary Force. On June 2nd 1940 he was picked up by a rowing boat from Dunkirk and ferried out to HMS Collingdale.

Mr Jenkins also served in North Africa and at Monte Cassino, Yugoslavia and Austria.

Paying tribute to Len, RSM Steve Morgan (pictured here with Len) said: "He was the eldest member of the Monmouth Branch of the Royal Engineers Association and always attended branch functions.

"He was a popular figure within the Regimental Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' Mess at the Castle, and it was unfortunate that due to ill health he couldn't march at this year's Remembrance Parade with his newly refurbished medals - although he still made it to the Mess for the post parade drinks!

"He continued at the Museum until he fell ill at the end of last year."

His funeral will take place at St Mary's Church, Monmouth, on January 21st, at 11am.