Great Escape star John Leyton backs our servicemen

Great Escape actor John Leyton is backing today's servicemen and women by supporting a charity event in Yapton.

Walberton resident Mr Leyton has donated signed memorabilia to the summer fete which is being staged in aid of Help for Heroes.

He is best known for his role as Willie the Tunnel King in the classic war movie from 1963, starring alongside such cinema greats as Steve McQueen and Richard Attenborough.

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He also featured in the 1965 film Von Ryan's Express with Frank Sinatra. Mr Leyton, 70, also topped the pop chart in 1961 with Johnny Remember Me.

He readily agreed to back the fete being organised by former sailor Michael Clayton and hopes to be present on the day.

"The young people who go out and fight for this country in various troublespots all over the world have a right to be looked after if they return injured.

"Quite frankly, the government is not doing that. Once again, it's down to charities such as Help for Heroes to do something about it," he said.

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The fete will take place at 1pm on August 15 at Church Farm Mews in Church Road.

Mr Clayton, 63, of Felpham, said he was delighted by Mr Leyton's offer of support while he was working on his home. He has gone out of his way to help me," said Mr Clayton, a former petty officer.

"I have been backing Help for Heroes for a while. I am one of the thousands of people who are doing their bit.

"Our servicemen and women abroad need all the help they can get.

"This is my contribution towards that."

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The fete will also boast clothes stalls, cake sales, bric-a-brac, a plant sale, a barbecue, fun games and a tombola.

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