A 'proud' former Sikh soldier who fought for the British Army in Burma, Malaya and Singapore – and took tea with Lord Mountbatten – has died, aged 98.

Bur Singh Johal's family said he was 'charismatic and charming', becoming heavily involved in Derby's Sikh community and supporting the county's Poppy Appeal efforts each year.

Originally from the Punjab, Mr Johal, of Goodale Street, Normanton, joined the British Army in 1933 and fought from 1939 to the end of the Second World War, first in Burma and then in Singapore and Malaya.

Mr Johal's son, Charanjit Singh Johal, 59, said his father met Lord Mountbatten while in Burma. He said:

He was very, very proud of being in the British Army and would often show people his medals.

He had a cup of tea with Lord Mountbatten in Burma, who told my father he was very brave.

He became heavily involved with Derby's Sikh community after he came to the UK in 1968. He always attended the remembrance day services in Derby's Market Place and supported the Royal British Legion.

Charanjit said:

We will miss him and his memory will live on forever in the hearts he touched.

He was an excellent role model and taught his children and grandchildren very important lessons in life and which we will cherish and live on in his honour.

He also leaves two daughters, Kulwant Kaur Sanghera and Charan Kaur Lidher, as well as daughters-in-law Gurdev Kaur Johal and Rattan Kaur Johal and sons-in-law Tarlock Singh Sanghera and Avtar Singh Lidher.