A FORMER soldier who served royalty during almost 40 years as a waiter at the SAS camp in the county has died aged 79.

Keith Cove worked in the Officer's Mess for a total of 38 years, serving from 1959 to 1997.

Before working there, Mr Cove was in the Royal Engineers based at Merebrook Camp, near Malvern. He had one or two jobs after leaving the army before he went to work at the SAS camp.

His ex brother-in-law, Gary Jones, described him as a 'fun-loving' man who was 'dedicated' to his work. This was recognised in June 1997 when he received a Distinguished Service Medal and he retired in the same year.

Mr Cove, who had one son called Peter, suffered from Multiple Sclerosis for some years but most recently had problems with his kidneys.

He had moved to Newcastle just over 10 years ago, where he was cared for by his sister, niece and nephew's wife.

He sadly died on January 7.