Harry Patch's family say they are “very touched” at the song Radiohead released yesterday in tribute to the World War I veteran.

Thom Yorke wrote the song, 'Harry Patch (In Memory Of)', after hearing a BBC interview with 'The Last Tommy' describing the horrors on the trenches.

Harry's Grandson Roger Patch, 52, told The Sun: “Our family is very touched that Radiohead has reached out to its followers and especially the younger generation through the single that echoes Harry's interview in 2005.

“Harry loved music and would be 100 percent behind Radiohead in raising awareness of the suffering of conflict – not least the futility of it – in a way that can also benefit the legion.

“It's a great idea which we support wholeheartedly.”

The track can be downloaded for just £1 from the Radiohead website here with all proceeds going to the British Legion.

Harry Patch was the last British World War I veteran to have fought in the trenches and died aged 111 on July 25. His funeral takes place in Wells, Somerset today.

(by Scott Colothan)