A Second World War veteran wept tears of joy this week after he was handed a cheque for £5,030 to replace his life savings which were stolen by a burglar.

Lionel Lake, 91, was devastated after discovering his nest egg had been taken from his home at St Catherine’s Farm Court, in Howletts Lane, Ruislip.

But after an incredible community fundraising campaign, in which well-wishers from as far afield as New York flocked to a crowdfunding page set up for the great-grandfather, the lost savings were replaced and the excess donated to Mr Lake’s chosen charities.

Supporters gathered at the Eastcote Royal British Legion on Saturday (May 9) to applaud the D-Day veteran who moved the room to laughter and tears during his thank you speech, in which he recalled how a little boy had donated his pocket money to help.

He said: “I keep asking, ‘have they got the right bloke?’”

Mr Lake shared war stories with an enthralled audience of around 100 people, as the event coincided with VE Day celebrations.

Describing the D-Day landing as “fairly hectic”, he said: “A lot of people are not aware that most of the troops that took part in the invasion were ‘green’ troops and had never been into action before.

“A lot of them were as seasick as dogs and then you’re expected to fight.”

The fundraising webpage was the brainchild of Alan Palmer, administrator of the Facebook-based Crime Awareness Group for the Ruislip and Eastcote Area, and the page was set up by Sam Taylor.

Mr Palmer said: “In 1944, Lionel took Normandy, and the thought that someone could rob his house and take his life savings is sickening.

“We’d set up the page on Wednesday. Within an hour we’d raised £285, after a day we’d raised £4,000. After three days the figure had gone up to nearly £6,000, and we’ve ended up not far off £7,000.”

Councillor Catherine Dann, president of the Royal British Legion’s Eastcote branch, presented cheques of £500 each to Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

A group of Lionel’s family members came to support him and were overwhelmed by the community effort.

Granddaughter Sally Fitzgerald, who came with her two children, said: “I know my granddad is lovely and all my family do and now you all know.

"Everyone has been so kind and amazing and we’re going to remember this experience for absolutely ever and ever in our hearts.”

The whole function room at the RBL Eastcote branch responded with cheers and a sing-along of For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow.

As an extra surprise, local businesses contributed to a raffle which raised a further £345.

Mr Palmer presented the amount to Mr Lake to improve security at his sheltered housing flat.

He joked: “Lionel, please don’t keep any more money in the house!”