A DEVASTATED Spa war veteran who found his camera had no film in it after an emotional pilgrimage to the beaches of Dunkirk is set to retrace his steps.

Percy Williams, of Camp Hill, Chawson, said he was shattered when he realised the camera used to take photographs during the anniversary trip of the Dunkirk evacuation was empty.

The veteran, who has seven medals for his wartime service, saved his pension for five years so he could meet up with old colleagues for the 60th anniversary.

He had not seen some of them for more than 50 years.

"I've really had my leg pulled about this," he said.

"My partner bought me the camera for the trip and I thought there was a film in it. Every time I took a photo the camera seemed to wind on and the number went up so I was sure a film was in it.

"I couldn't believe it when I was told there was no film after taking it to be developed, I thought I was being wound up. And when I realised I wasn't, I was devastated."

The 80-year-old -- who enlisted with the Warwickshire Regiment in 1939 -- was offered photos from other veterans, who made the pilgrimage in July.

Mr Williams will revisit Tournai, where he was one of 56 survivors from a 1,000-man battalion after Germans attacked it in May 1940.

After hearing about Mr Williams's plight, Colour Sergeant Pete Elcock, of Worcester's Army Careers Centre, in Foregate Street, developed a film donated by another veteran. The album was presented to Mr Williams at the Royal British Legion Club, in Droitwich, on Monday night.