War hero Hector Duff has died at the age of 101.

The Royal British Legion’s Onchan Branch announced Mr Duff’s death earlier this evening.

Growing up in Sulby, Mr Duff fought in the Second World War, including on D-Day, before later serving in the Isle of Man Constabulary.

A statement by the Legion said: ’It is with great sadness we announce the death of our beloved President Hector Duff OBE, MM, BEM, TH, LH.

’Hector passed away peacefully today. We send our heartfelt condolences to all his family and many many friends.

’Thank you Hector for all you have done for our country and our community, you are a true legend who we will miss dearly. RIP Hector’

Mr Duff became known to the island’s school children for the years he dedicated to telling them of his experiences of war.

He said of this: ’I only ever wanted to help people understand war. I just hope that in future years, that children will continue to be as keen as they are now to learn about the wars.’

Earlier this year Mr Duff collected an OBE from Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney which added to other awards bestowed on him include the Military Medal for bravery, the British Empire Medal and the Tynwald Honour.

He was also awarded the French Legion d’honneur, the highest French order of merit for military and civil merits, which he received from former president Francois Hollande in 2014.

Regarded by many as being one of the very greatest of all Manxmen, Mr Duff enriched the lives of everyone he met and who had the honour of spending time in his company.