AS people from all over the Forest gathered in Coleford to show their support for 1Rifles, octogenarian William Holland travelled across the country to pay tribute to his brother Ron a veteran from Berry Hill.

William made the 300-mile, 11-hour round trip from his home in North London after reading about Ron and fellow Suez crisis veteran Mickey Hunt in The Forester.

William kept the trip secret from Ron and surprised him as he marched with his fellow veterans around Coleford clock tower.

William said: "I am so proud of my brother and after reading the article in the paper I knew I had to be here to support him.

"I wanted to come under my own steam and couldn't tell many people or else they would have tried to stop me. I am so pleased to be here with Ron."

William took six buses in total and stayed the night at a bed and breakfast in Coleford to ensure he was there for the parade.

Ron, 75, a former member of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusilliers said he had no idea his brother was going to be there.

He said: "I didn't know anything about it until I came around by the clock tower. When I saw him it didn't register at first then I realised it was my brother. It was lovely to see him there and it was a wonderful surprise."