Tributes have been paid to a community stalwart and D-Day veteran known as ‘Lollipop Ron’, who has died aged 88.

Ron Heninghem  was born in a nursing home in Pretoria Road, Chingford.

He joined the Army as an underage soldier in 1942 and fought alongside the Canadians during the Normandy Landings on June 6 1944.  

Mr Heninghem went on to help liberate the Bergen-Belsen Nazi concentration camp in 1945. 

He later worked for London transport as a bus conductor, before joining Waltham Forest police as a special constable.

But Mr Heninghem will also be remembered as the long-serving lollipop man for St. Mary's Catholic Primary School, dedicating more than 10 years to keeping children safe in King's Road.

He married his late wife June in 1948 and they lived in Nation Way, Chingford, up until her death in 2003.

Mr Heninghem died on November 6 due to complications after he suffered a fall three days before.

He is survived by his son Gary, 65, daughter Sue Colley, 61, five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. 

His son said: "For an 88-year-old, he was in pretty good shape and was always active, so it came as a complete and utter shock.  

"He will be sorely missed in Chingford."

St Mary's headteacher, Philomena Egan, described Mr Heninghem as a "gentle grandfather figure". 

She said: "Our dear friend Ron was a truly community-minded individual whose kindness and generosity will be sorely missed.  

"For many years, he was the lollipop man at the crossing outside Boots the chemist on Station Road, befriending our children and parents with a chat and a friendly smile whilst caring for their safety every day.  

"Not only that, our staff and children grew to appreciate him as a gentle grandfather figure as he used to come into St. Mary’s every week as a volunteer to hear our children read.  

"Generations of St. Mary’s children have benefitted from knowing Ron and I am sure they too, will remember him as we all do, with the greatest of fondness.  

"Our heartfelt love and prayers are sent to his family at this sad time."

Mr Heninghem’s funeral is to be held on Monday at Enfield Crematorium and will include a bugler and flag-bearing service by the Royal British Legion.