A MINUTE’S silence was observed at Teignmouth Town Council’s meeting in honour of two heroes.

Town Mayor Peter Williams called for the silence to mark the memory of Sir Tom Moore and former town mayor Fred Tooley.

Cllr Williams said the word ‘hero’ was used far too often but in both men’s cases it was the appropriate word.

Former Teignmouth Mayor and talented boxer Fred Tooley, who died recently at the age of 81, was given a champion sendoff by locals. Hundreds lined the route of his final journey on Monday through the streets of the town.

More than fifty petitions have been started on Change.org since the news of Captain Sir Tom Moore’s death yesterday evening, with a variety of asks to memorialise and remember the NHS charity fundraiser.

At least 10 petitions have been started for a state funeral for Capt Sir Tom. Sam Watson, who started a petition for a state funeral, says: ‘The UK government can pass a vote to hold a state funeral, usually held for Monarchs or distinguished individuals. He fought with honour and bravery in war, and during our darkest hour in modern times he raised £33m for the NHS.’