A Second World War veteran donated a ’Tommy’ silhouette to Sulby school to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War.

Hector Duff, who took part in the Normandy D-Day landings in 1944, visited the primary school on his 99th birthday this week.

Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney, accompanied by his wife Lady Gozney, was also involved in the unveiling of the life-sized aluminium silhouette of a soldier.

Head teacher of the school, Martin Jackson, said: ’We were very moved when Mr Hector Duff offered to donate a silhouette to the school. As Mr Duff was a pupil in the original Sulby school his personal donation took on extra significance.

’The children were delighted to learn that the presentation coincided with Hector’s 99th birthday and we celebrated with a cake and card and the traditional "Happy Birthday" verse.

’Hector Duff is an amazing and inspiring figure and the children were captivated when he shared some of his memories with them.

’Mr Duff and the Lieutenant Governor have accepted invitations to join the children when they present their traditional Remembrance Service in November.’

Two Tommy figures were unveiled by the Lieutenant Governor and Mr Duff outside the commissioner’s offices in Onchan this month.

Hector was joined by many proud members of his family, including his son Tony, who helped ensure the timely arrival of the silhouette. The ’There but not There’ installations are being placed around the UK, with funds going towards charities which support veterans and those within the armed forces.

Other visitors to the event included Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan and Captain of the Parish Dennis Duggan.