A Dorchester man has been showing off his uniform to friends and family after becoming a Chelsea Pensioner.

Percy Sennett, 88, was back home this week on leave from the Royal Hospital in London.

The former Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineer received the distinctive red jacket just two months ago having applied to the organisation following the death of his wife.

He said: "I lost my wife 12 months ago just before our 60th wedding anniversary and I tried to manage on my own. Then someone suggested to me that I become a Chelsea Pensioner because they knew I had been in the war.

"I didn't want to be a burden on my two sons, so I applied to them and had to go up to the hospital for four days. It was quite comfortable and you get treated just like a lord."

Mr Sennett, who moved to Dorchester in 1988 after stepping down as mayor of Ealing in London, said he had no hesitation in accepting a place at the hospital when it was offered to him.

In exchange for his military pension, the great-grandfather and former Dorchester scouts volunteer has his own bedroom in a ward at the Royal Hospital. He also receives full medical care, clothes and lodging.

All Chelsea Pensioners can do voluntary jobs and/or take part in all sorts of activities, including snooker, bowling, and gardening. They also have their own library, as well as an arts and craft centre.

Mr Sennet, who has medals from his service in North Africa and Normandy, has already signed up for some of the many trips that are arranged every year.

He said: "I have put my name down to go to Jersey and Gibraltar in the future. It's a new life for me - at first I thought I was going to be bored, but there's quite a lot to do, especially if you're called out to go on duty, doing something like collecting poppy appeal money."

The veteran of El Alamein says life at the hospital is good. He says he enjoys spending time with other pensioners and receives excellent care from the staff.

"Really I was at a complete loss after losing my wife. She did everything and I couldn't manage on my own. Nothing could replace her, but I know she would be very pleased that I'm being so well looked-after," he said.