Scores of mourners attended a ‘ghost village’ yesterday left deserted since World War II for the funeral of one of its last known residents.

Raymond Nash's remains were returned to Imber, on Salisbury Plain, where he was born after an absence of almost 80 years.

In an exceptionally rare ceremony - which only went ahead after the Ministry of Defence gave permission - he was laid to rest in the churchyard next to the graves of other family members including his father.

As only those who were born in the village or were residents prior to evacuation are allowed to be buried there, it is possible Mr Nash will be the last person interred in Imber.

There are thought to be only 'two or three' others alive who might qualify.

The great-grandfather and former mechanic, who died at the age of 87 last month, moved away with his mother from his first home in December 1943, when he was just a baby.

Only a few years later, the village was evacuated by the British Army to create a military training ground ahead of the Allied invasion of mainland Europe.

Around 150 villagers were removed from their homes on the understanding that the evacuation would be temporary.

However, residents were not allowed to return to their homes even when the war ended - and Imber has stood empty as a 'ghost village' ever since.

Mr Nash left Imber after his father died, relocating to his mother’s family home in the village of Potterne Wick, near Devizes, but always hoped to be buried alongside his father at St Giles Church in the village.

He has now been buried in the churchyard, next to the church where he was baptised decades ago.

Around 110 mourners attended the service to pay their respects.

Kelvin Nash, Raymond’s 63 year old son, said the family have only been able to visit the village on select, restricted-access visiting days run by the MoD.

Addressing mourners today, Mr Nash - a councillor who lives in Devizes - said: “Imber may have hit the news headlines but we are all here because of Dad.

“He told us all about his village life, nearly getting run down by the army trucks.

“It can’t have been easy growing up without a Dad. But he made the most of life.

“Wherever his journey took him, he made new friends and always managed to lend a helping hand.”

Ray Nash has many grandchildren and great-grandchildren - the most recent, William Raymond, was born on Christmas Day.

Several of the guests arrived together on a coach driving behind the hearse.

Rev Andrew Sinclair, the rector, led the service at St Giles Church.

The 64-year-old said: "The end of Ray's life marks the end of a generation. It is a sad time for this church as it is possibly the last burial at this church.

"The last one was about 10 years ago."

Ray Nash's coffin, covered with a blanket printed with family photographs, was carried into the church to Gabriel's Oboe by Ennio Morricone.

Mourners joined their voices to sing The Old Rugged Cross and When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder, both performed by Johnny Cash.

A poem by daughter Vicki entitled 'Dad' was read out, and said: "You're going back home to Imber to be with your late dad, I know it's what you had wished for but I am so very sad."

Rev Sinclair said to the congregation: “Family was the centre of Ray and Elaine’s life.

“He always had a funny story. He was quick witted."