A family was left devastated after thieves stole a war veteran's watch from his coffin – hours before his funeral.

Relatives gathered in Tewkesbury Abbey to say farewell to Second World War soldier Dennis Delve.

But as they waited to enter the church, Abbey vicar Canon Paul Williams told them that someone had snatched his watch of the past 20 years.

His family had placed it on the coffin along with a poetry book he loved and his four war medals ahead of the service. The Union flag was draped over the coffin and a photograph of Mr Delve placed on top of it.

But minutes before the service, the vicar discovered the Seiko watch had been stolen.

He had to break the news to the 86-year-old's family, including his wife Joan, daughter Joy Nunn and his three grandchildren. One of them, 24-year-old Ashlee, was to have kept the watch to remember her grandfather by.

Her sister Rachel, 20, was to be presented with the poetry book and 18-year-old Sam was set to receive the medals.

But the presentation of the mementos, due to be made by the vicar at the end of the service, was cancelled. Joy Nunn said the family, from Ashchurch Road, Tewkesbury, were stunned by the theft before Tuesday afternoon's funeral.

She said: "It was unbelievable. He represented his country, serving in places like Singapore and India and he was a lovely gentleman.

"I just can't believe that someone would do it. They didn't touch the war medals or the book but took the watch. I suppose they thought they could sell it on quickly.

"The vicar had to tell us as we were lining up to go into the Abbey. Ashlee was terribly upset and angry."

Mr Delve, who lived in Watledge Close, Tewkesbury, died on June 13 following a long illness . He was a well-known member of the Abbey congregation and a regular at the Remembrance Day event in the town.

Mrs Nunn said: "You always saw dad at the poppy parade in his wheelchair, with his medals. He was a very proud man. He would have been horrified at this.

"It was a fantastic service, with more than 300 people there, but for that to happen before was almost sacrilegious.

"The coffin had been surrounded by candles and it had a crucifix and bible on it too."

Canon Williams said: "It was very sad. He was loved by the congregation. It's despicable.

"How someone could go up to the coffin of a war hero, draped in the Union flag and take his watch from it is extraordinary.

"Even the undertaker was stunned and said he had never had it happen before.

"The Abbey is open from dawn until dusk, but one expects people to behave in a decent way."

Gloucestershire police spokeswoman Alexa Collicott said: "Any theft can be very upsetting, but especially in circumstances such as these."

The watch was stolen between 11am and 12.15pm. It is described as a traditional gold-plated watch with a gold-coloured strap and a cream- coloured face.

Mrs Nunn wants anyone with information about the theft to contact her on 07912146383.