A 107-year-old First World War veteran from Watlington was last night in intensive care after collapsing over the weekend.

William Stone was taken ill at the nursing home in Sindlesham, Berkshire, where he has lived for the last year.

The former seaman, who also fought in the Second World War, was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading and was last night described as "comfortable and continuing to improve". A hospital spokesman said he could not give details of what had happened to Mr Stone, who used to live in Orchard Walk, but said he had been awake and talking to nurses.

His only daughter, Anne Davidson, was believed to have travelled from her home in Beaconsfield to be at his bedside yesterday.

Mr Stone, who is due to celebrate his 108th birthday later this month, joined the Navy on the day he turned 18 and saw action in the last two months of the First World War.

He served until 1945 and is one of only two surviving veterans to have fought in both world wars.

Watlington Royal British Legion branch secretary Derek Elliott said: "I can say personally, and on behalf of the branch, that we wish him all the very best."