A RETIRED soldier who died with no living friends or relatives has been given a hero's send-off after hundreds of strangers turned up to his funeral.

Nursing home bosses launched an appeal for mourners to attend the service of Glasgow-born Alex McDougall, a lifelong Rangers fan who died aged 77 on June 8.

The gunner served his country for 30 years - surviving being shot at and almost starving to death on limited rations - and was described as being "married to the job".

He passed away at Beeston Lodge Nursing Home, Nottinghamshire, after suffering from dementia and cancer. Staff at the care home put out an appeal for anyone with a link to the military or Rangers to attend his funeral.

But they were overwhelmed when more than 400 people from across the UK turned up at Bramcote Crematorium yesterday afternoon to remember the "forgotten" solider.

Jim Hannah, Rangers' fans liaison manager who flew from Glasgow for the service, said: "There are quite a few boys who have come from Glasgow to be here. I thought it was such a sad story and he deserved as many people here as possible.

"No doubt he would have been over the moon with the turnout. There are two families here, there is the veterans family and the Rangers family."

Scottish athlete and Commonwealth Games 800m silver medallist Lynsey Sharp also made the short journey from her training base in Loughborough, to attend the funeral.

She said: "It is so sad that someone who fought for his country might have no-one there.

"It is only 25 minutes from me and nothing out of my day so it was the least I could do. It is an amazing turnout."

Members of the Armed Force, Royal British Legion, and emergency services filled the grounds of the crematorium for the service at 3.45pm.

Standard bearers lined the route to the Reflection Chapel as RAF piper Andy Mackey played the bagpipes as he walked in front of the hearse.

Mourners crammed into the 46-seater chapel and there was standing room available with hundreds of people left outside trying to listen to the 20-minute service.

'Flower of Scotland' was played as the coffin, which was draped in a Royal Artillery Association flag, entered the room and 'Scotland the Brave' was also played during the service.

Mr Mackey said: "It is an honour to be here and be part of this occasion. He sounds like the kind of man who deserves to be remembered this fondly."

Civil celebrant Keith Brown, who conducted the service, said: "I expected to be here with four people not 400. It is a remarkable show of affection for one soldier so God bless you all for that."

Mr McDougall will have his ashes scattered at Ibrox Stadium.