WREXHAM's oldest war hero has died at the age of 102.

John Bellis, known as "Jack", of Bryn Hedd in Southsea died on Sunday, August 5 and people have taken to social media to pay tribute.

Mr Bellis was a Bren gun carrier driver/mechanic during D-Day and was with the Royal Welch Fusiliers, but fought alongside the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry during the landings.

Mr Bellis received numerous medals for his service, including the 1939-1945 Star and France and Germany Star.

The Leader:

He was also awarded the Legion d’Honneur, France’s highest honour for military and civil merit for his service during the D-Day landings.

After the war Mr Bellis worked at the Brymbo Steelworks before taking early retirement from his post as a foreman in the 1970s.

He also ran a materials stall at Powis Hall Indoor Market in Oswestry for many years with his wife Gladys who died in 2013.

He became a familiar face to shoppers at Sainsbury’s in Wrexham where he collected thousands of pounds for the Royal British Legion.

Tributes were flooding social media to pay respects to the war hero.

On Twitter, Claire Lewis said: "We lost a hero today. Mr Jack Bellis our #Wrexham Normandy Veteran.

"He told me many of his stories and about how he drove his Bren Carrier on to Sword Beach on #DDay.

"I will never forget him. RIP."

The Leader:

Gill Roberts said: "RIP Mr Bellis. What a lovely, exceptional man he was.

"I had the privilege of meeting & working alongside him when I was Poppy Appeal Organiser in 2001/2/3.

"My condolences to his family, friends & comrades. Rest easy sir."

Andy Wright said: "Another of that great generation leaves us. R.I.P. Lest We Forget."

Chris Roberts said: "RIP great grandad who passed away today at the grand old age of 102, he was a World War Two veteran.

"We owe him and many other men/women so much respect.

"Thank you Sir for your service and protecting our country."

Cllr David Griffiths said: "It's a great loss. He was one of the the remaining ones who was actively involved.

"He had a wonderful life and never lost his sense of humour.

"It was a pleasure to have known him."