THE DEATH of the Queen Mother united a nation in sorrow, but while others laid flowers and mourned in their own way, one pensioner from Warminster was busy creating his own personal tribute.

John Jones, 72, from Imber Road, Warminster, wrote a letter of comfort to Prince Charles, and was proud to receive a reply this week.

Mr Jones was raised by his grandmother from the age of six while his parents fought in the war, and believes he has much in common with the prince.

Mr Jones said: "I saw the prince on the television at the funeral and I knew how he must be feeling.

"I was brought up by my grandmother when my parents and I came back from India, when I was six.

"My parents continued to join in with the war effort and I stayed with my grandmother in Melksham.

"I learnt so much from her, she was a special lady and I still shed a tear when I think of her, so I knew what the prince was going through."

Mr Jones sent the prince a letter explaining to him that the pain would get easier.

He said: "I wanted the prince to know that I knew how he was feeling and I told him that the pain would go away.

"We were both so close to our grandmothers and I wanted to offer him some comfort."

Mr Jones posted the letter three weeks ago and expected to hear no more about it but was overjoyed when a letter arrived from Buckingham Palace this week.

Mr Jones said: "I couldn't believe that the prince would write back to me.

"He thanked me and told me that he had gained great strength from my words."