A WAR veteran targeted by vandals for displaying a Union Flag outside his bungalow will have a new flagpole installed by East Barnet Royal British Legion.

Fred Penning, 87, Crescent Rise, was the victim of a “despicable” crime when human excrement was smeared across his door.

A 15ft pole, which the pensioner had built in his front garden, was also destroyed in the middle of the night on Thursday, February 10.

Philip Bishop, secretary of the East Barnet Royal British Legion, said: “We were just so disgusted when we saw the story.

“It was such a despicable thing to do, we wanted to do something positive about it.”

Mr Bishop has advised Mr Penning to have the new flagpole constructed in his back garden to avoid further incidents.

Members from the British Legion group will construct a concrete base in the coming days, with an unveiling ceremony to take place in a few weeks.

Mr Penning said: “It is lovely news, I feel great. I feel like I've got someone behind me now. It is a very nice gesture.

“The flag will be in a better position than before – I can see it all year round from my living room and in the summer I can sit in my conservatory and look at my flag.”

Police are still appealing for information and witnesses to the incident which happened on February 10.

Anybody with information should contact police on 0300 123 12 12 or CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference number 2403654/11.