RETIRED warrant officer Robert Sowerby is packing up his kitbag for London to become a Chelsea Pensioner.

The 72-year-old from Fleetwood, who enjoyed a long and successful career in the Royal Army Corps for 23 years, had no problem getting into the Royal Chelsea Hospital.

Becoming one of the 380 Chelsea Pensioners involves giving up his army pension in return for full board, care and other benefits which include donning the famous red tunic and uniform.

He has visited the hospital and was said to be an "honest, sober and trustworthy character".

Bob will be sorely missed by Fleetwood locals and the many charities he has helped out with his kind, enthusiastic support.

He is looking forward to his new life, but will miss his friends, saying: "I will be sorry to leave behind so many good friends and Fleetwood itself.

"I have enjoyed living here for 27 years.

"But I have lived alone for seven years now and I'm a terrible cook, so I can't wait to sample some good cooking and waitress service."

The food isn't the only reason why Bob has enlisted as he explained: "Most of my family - a son, my daughter and her family live in the London area and now I want to move closer to them."

Bob performed his last task as secretary of Fleetwood Cancer Research Committee at their annual dinner by helping present £11,000 to the £25 million Christie's Against Cancer Appeal.

Regional appeals officer Paul Bailey was full of praise for Bob as he added: "Bob has been fundraising since 1989 when he retired, helping raise substantial amounts for Christie's.

"He has always been the main point of contact for the group, he's a lovely man and I will miss our chats and laughs on the phone."

Paul is not the only one sad to see him go, as Bob reluctantly admitted: "The group is made up of around 28 women, apart from me there is only one other man, when I told them I was leaving they all went silent."

Bob's caring activities do not end there.

He is also a committee member for the local LIFE group, which helps young, expectant mothers, and has been a driver for Bispham's Trinity Hospice since his wife, Cecily, died in the hospice.

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