A 99-year-old war hero was the oldest veteran to attend a Remembrance Day parade.

Former Royal Marine Ernie Searling, from Bushey, was at death’s door only a few months ago and has now become a social media sensation after attending the Remembrance Day Parade at the Cenotaph in London on November 12.

The World War Two veteran called on younger generations to “see some solidarity” during the parade, which was broadcast live on the BBC.

Mr Searling, who joined the Royal Navy the day World War Two broke out but is now wheelchair bound and suffering from heart failure, told the BBC’s Sophie Raworth on the day: “I feel very humble seeing so many hundreds of men and women on the parade. So very, very humble, particularly those who are not with us on this day today.

“All I hope is that the future generations could see this parade, see some solidarity in it. See that the betterment of mankind in England, especially Great Britain, should be at its highest level.

“We don’t want street fights. We don’t want arguments. We don’t want racial injustice. All those things are horrible.”

After his interview, Ernie was trending on Twitter and received a number of supportive messages.

His granddaughter Kerry Seeney said she was “overwhelmed” by the response.

She said: “He’s on bed rest at the moment but he is very happy. He’s just been totally overwhelmed. He’s a remarkable man, father, and grandfather - just in September he had sepsis and we were told to say our goodbyes, now look at him.”

“He said that it was sad for him as he didn’t have one friend left by his side but he was there to honour the fallen too.”

“We’re so proud of him, and he couldn’t have asked for more.”

Mr Searling hadn’t been able to attend the parade before due to illness but this year the Royal Marines Veteran Society helped his family and carers take him to London.

The former marine’s Heath House Care Home, operated by Quantum Care, said they were “thrilled” to be able to help Mr Searling get to the parade.