The president of the Dover White Cliffs branch of the Royal British Legion has died suddenly.

Major Pat O’Reilly, who has played a major role at remembrance services at Dover war memorial in recent years and was known for his keenness to recruit new members, suffered a heart attack during the Easter weekend.

Fellow members have paid tribute to him saying they will remember his warmth.

A spokesman for the branch said: “We announce, with regret, the sudden death of our president Major Pat O’Reilly at the weekend.

“Pat had gone out to his car and collapsed with a heart attack, was rushed to hospital but suffered a second attack from which he could not be revived.

“Only last week Pat spoke to the branch about the necessity of membership and the need to attend events organised by the branch.

“Pat played a major role in increasing membership to the new branch which now stands at 75 members.

“We all respected Pat who served his regiment very well.

“His warmth to us as comrades was legendary. We will miss him so much.”

Dover White Cliffs branch of the Royal British Legion has only been formed less than two years.

This year, Major O’Reilly financed the purchase of a new Union Standard for the branch.