DAVID Eggleston's uncle, John Soar, said his nephew's deceit had made him less trusting that he used to be.

Mr Soar, 68, of Bingham, was one of four benefactors in the will of Jack Holliday, Eggleston's great-uncle.

He said he had not spoken to his sister – David's mother, Margaret – since the will forged by the post office worker was discovered.

Mr Soar described his nephew as having "been like a son" following the death of his own daughter, Sandra, in 2003.

He said: "David used to come over and help out all the time doing odd jobs. We took him in and paid him money for the work he did for us.

"I even told him not to worry about things as when anything happens to me we'd look after him because he's family."

Mr Soar said he and wife, Judy, were still "gutted" by what had happened.

"It's left a lasting mark on us as we are not as trusting as we used to be."

Mr Soar described Mr and Mrs Holliday as having been his "favourite auntie and uncle."

He said: "They were very down-to-earth people. They did not deserve this at all."