AN ELLESMERE Port Royal Navy veteran has been awarded France's highest honour, the Legion d'Honneur, at a special ceremony.

George Holland has been recognised for his role in Normandy during the Second World War.

Chester and District Standard:

George Holland

He was described as "a hero" for his work helping to liberate France.

The 93-year-old, who was presented with the medal by an Honorary Consul of France, was joined by his daughter Sue to celebrate the special occasion.

George joined the Royal Navy in 1942, when he was just 17 years old. He did his training in Ipswich and Pembrokeshire, and he then served in the Atlantic Ocean, Sydney and the Normandy Landings.

Upon receiving the award, George said he was “very proud” to play his part.

Presenting George with France’s highest military order of merit, Mrs Aude Auclair, the honorary French Council in the North West England and North Wales, said: “Without your sacrifice, France and indeed Europe would not be what they are today.”

Chester and District Standard:

The 93-year-old was presented with the medal by an Honorary Consul of France

George has macular degeneration in both eyes but is being provided care and support by military charity Blind Veterans UK.

Blind Veterans UK helps vision-impaired ex-Service men and women of every generation rebuild their lives after sight loss. Since 1915, the charity has provided rehabilitation, training, practical advice and emotional support to tens of thousands of blind veterans.

It currently supports more blind veterans than ever before in the charity’s history, but it knows there are many more who still need its support to rebuild their lives following their sight loss.