And in keeping with the spirit of the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944, he did the walk along the seafront on Saturday dressed in a Second World War greatcoat, tin helmet and carrying a rifle.

But pensioner Mr Foulkes, of 37 Park Road, Hunstanton, pointed out: "I didn't wear the full pack on my back because it would probably have killed me!"

He and his friends, Sid Miller, Garry Hukin, Keven Hallam, David Gyton, Mac McKenzie and John Turner, were given a civic send-off from Heacham Social Club in Station Road, by the Borough Mayor and Mayoress, Michael and Gillian Pitcher.

They walked to Heacham beach then along the promenade to Hunstanton, where they collected for the Legion's Poppy Appeal in the Waterside bar, around The Green, in the Supafry fish and chip shop and at the Conservative Club.

Mr Foulkes said almost £90 was raised through donations and a 25 per cent contribution from selling baskets of sausages and scampi and chips during an evening of wartime music at the Conservative Club.

A collection was also made at the United Services Club on Saturday evening, after the walkers had been greeted by new Hunstanton Mayor Christine Earnshaw and members.