He was named Britain's most astonishing pensioner after volunteering for more than lxx years.

But now ex-bomber pilot Harry Mercer has lost his last battle with coronavirus at the age of 97.

The Northward Shields stalwart, who served as a rear gunner flight Halifax Bombers in the RAF during the Second World War, dedicated his life to helping others.

And only last twelvemonth he decided to retire from his part meeting and greeting patients and visitors at North Tyneside General Hospital.

Harry Mercer, 97, of North Shields, lost his fight to Covid-19

His grandson Tim Hoddy said: "He certainly was a man almost N Shields. He spent his life helping others and he will be greatly missed.

"He was active up until Christmas but in March he had difficulty animate and had a spell in infirmary. He was just getting one-time and I call back his body was simply getting set up to go.

"He came out and went into Croftdene Care Home in Wallsend and the staff at that place were brilliant.

Collect given by Harry Mercer of his days in the RAF pictured in 1944 aged 21

Collect given past Harry Mercer of his days in the RAF pictured in 1944 aged 21

"Information technology was just one of those things that he got Covid-19 and died in the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital at Cramlington. Because of restrictions the family couldn't be with him, but hospital staff opened the door and let his girl Joan speak to him earlier he went.

"His great-granddaughter Charlotte sang and recorded the song 'We'll Meet Again' and that was played to him. He was comforted as much as he could be when he passed away, but he had the most amazing life."

Harry had volunteered at North Tyneside Hospital for 35 years simply his volunteering actually goes back to 1947 when he and his late wife Betty raised funds to build a headquarters for the Tynemouth Ocean Scouts at the Haven, which is still in apply today.

Collect given by Harry Mercer of him and his wife Elizabeth Margaret on their wedding day in 1946

Collect given by Harry Mercer of him and his wife Elizabeth Margaret on their nuptials day in 1946

He remained involved with the scouts for many years and in the late 1950s started raising money for the NHS.

Harry was chairman of Northward Tyneside League of Friends for 30 years, through which thousands of pounds were donated to support healthcare services in Northward Tyneside.

He was too a fellow member of the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade for xv years - all while running his own business organisation, an electrical repair store in North Shields.

Over the past four decades, he had been an active volunteer in hospital radio, driving the buggy which transports patients and visitors around North Tyneside Hospital and coming together and greeting people when they arrive.

Pride of the North East awards at the Civic Centre in Newcastle upon Tyne ----- Winner Harry Mercer with host Kym Marsh

In 2017, Harry was selected past public vote as a regional finalist for the Pride of Britain awards in recognition of his lifetime of volunteering.

Last year he told ChronicleLive: "I've thoroughly enjoyed my whole time volunteering. I certainly didn't think that when I started in the late 1940s, I'd still be going all these years subsequently but the truth is I've been having such a cracking time – I love helping people.

Collect given by Harry Mercer of his days in the RAF

Collect given by Harry Mercer of his days in the RAF

"I've met some fantastic people over the years and I'd like to give thanks anybody at the hospital for their back up."

Harry died on Th, April xxx, and leaves daughter Joan Pearson, grandchildren Nicola Marsh and Richard and Tim Hoddy, and great-grandchildren Isabel and Charlotte Marsh, along with Imogen, Olivia, Tabitha and Hugo Hoddy.

Pride of the North East awards at the Civic Center in Newcastle upon Tyne ----- Winner Harry Mercer with host Kym Marsh

Tim, 41, of Harrogate, added: "His wife Betty passed abroad a few years ago and I'd like to remember Harry is with her again at present.

"He helped so many people and when lockdown is over we volition accept a party to celebrate his life and invite those who knew him. He was a wonderful homo, he had a great life."

Tributes have been flooding in for Harry on Facebook.

His pals at the Percy Bowling Club said on its Percy Bowler Facebook page: "Information technology is with smashing sadness that we take to announce the passing of Harry Mercer.

"He will be greatly missed by all of our members and we pass on our deepest condolences to his family at this very difficult time.

"Sadly, with the current restrictions in place, members won't be able to attend the funeral, merely I'm certain we will all take our ain means to retrieve him..."

Pat Alan Thompson wrote: "Oh no, loved Harry. Played indoor bowls with him, such a lovely admirer. Hugs sent to his family, you will be missed x"

Michael Wilson posted: "Very sad, the passing of a lovely homo in many ways."

Ron Hanson wrote: "A existent admirer, the In Accordance Choir volition all miss him, our hero, a wonderful man."

Vivien Smith said: "Lovely human, will be missed."

Hospital staff wrote: "True Northumbria NHS legend."

Ken Hastie with the Tynemouth History Group wrote: "It'due south with heavy center I share the news that, Harry Mercer, one of our group members, has passed abroad. I wouldn't normally mention the deviation of individuals simply Harry was and so well known in the surface area and a peachy supporter of so many local organisations. ...A very pleasant and noble gentleman and a cracking friend to anyone and anybody and he volition exist sorely missed."