A FIRST World War hero who was honoured with France's highest award, the Legion D'Honneur, has died at the age of 104.

Albert George Malivoire was one of the 11 First World War veterans in Dorset to have received the prestigious French equivalent of a knighthood for his services in the battle.

He died at his home in Avon View, Christchurch, on Wednesday.

Mr Malivoire was called up to serve in 1917 at the age of 18 when conscription was introduced and joined the North Staffordshire Regiment before transferring to the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry.

He was first sent to the trenches of northern France and Belgium where he survived the slaughter of Ypres and Passchendaele.

He ended the war in a field hospital after becoming ill and Armistice was declared before he could be sent back to the trenches.

Speaking to the Daily Echo in March 2002, he said: "I can't remember everything that went on but I know I was a very lucky man to get out of all that.

"I have enjoyed my life but I

wouldn't like to do all that again."

Although a Londoner, Mr Mali-voire was drafted into the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry and took part in the victory parades on the Channel Island after the war.

He married for the first time in 1925 but his wife died in 1957. Ten years later he married again but his second wife Lin died in 1977.

He had no children from either marriage.

He owned a grocery shop in Boscombe before and after the Second World War where he served in the Home Guard.

Mr Malivoire lived in Christ-church for more than 30 years and gave up his home in Gleadowe Avenue in only 1999.

Niece Linda Richmond said: "He was always very jolly, a very positive person, keen to try out new things. He loved his shed where he would spend ages making, mending and inventing things.

"He also loved his garden and was growing runner beans and tomatoes right up until two years ago."

The funeral service will be held at Bournemouth Crematorium on Wednesday, January 22, at 2.30pm. The family have requested that any donation be made to Tenovus and can be sent to Harry Tomes Ltd, Barham House, 31-33 Tower Road, Boscombe or call 01202 394340.