A war veteran who joined the Royal Navy during the First World War believes it is vitally important that young people support this year's Poppy Appeal.

William Stone, who lived in Watlington for more than 20 years, celebrated his 108th birthday in September at a care home in Sindlesham, Berkshire, where he moved last year.

Speaking last night, he said he had spent many years collecting for the Royal British Legion in Oxfordshire.

He said: "I think it's very important for everyone to remember the sacrifices made by the men and women of the armed forces who have given their lives for their country."

Mr Stone, who served in the Royal Navy between 1918 and 1945, was born in Devon on September 23, 1900.

He joined the Royal Navy on his 18th birthday — two months before the end of the First World War — and served until the end of the Second World War.

Mr Stone, known as Bill, took part in the evacuation of British troops from Dunkirk in 1940 and was mentioned in dispatches following the invasion of Sicily in 1943.

Along with his wife Lily, who died in 1995, he moved to Watlington in the late 1980s and became a well-known figure in the town.

Daughter Anne Davidson, 69, from Beaconsfield, said her father had always taken enormous pride in supporting the Royal British Legion.

She said: "My father thinks it's especially important that children are made aware of past sacrifices and he believes the Poppy Appeal is a great way of getting the message across.

"When he lived in Watlington, he used to visit schools with other Royal British Legion members to talk about what the Poppy Appeal represented.

"He also used to take his turn outside the local post office where he would sit dressed in his blazer with all his medals chatting to passers-by and making sure as many people as possible bought a poppy."

She added: "I agree with him that it's important to remember the past.

"However, with the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan it's even more important to raise funds to help those servicemen who have been injured and the relatives of those who have been killed."

Mr Stone, the 10th of 14 children, is one of only two surviving British veterans to have served during both world wars.

He is four years younger than RAF veteran Henry Allingham, who is believed to be the oldest man in Britain.

On turning 108 two months ago, Mr Stone said the secret to a long life was clean living, a contented mind and trust in God.

Last year, the Poppy Appeal in Oxfordshire raised £611,089.