A SECOND World War veteran has received France’s highest military medal, the Légion d’honneur, almost 73 years after he was part of the D-Day landings.

Richard Westhead, 95, of Rydal Avenue, Darwen, was a 23-year-old signaller in the East Lancashire Regiment in June 1944 when he was among tens of thousands of servicemen involved in the operation.

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The French government has been awarding the Légion d’honneur to D-Day veterans from many different countries since 2014, as a way of honouring and thanking those who fought and risked their lives to secure country’s liberation during the war.

Mr Westhead was nominated for the award by the Blackburn branch of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regimental Association of whom he is an active member and former secretary.

He said: “It’s a great privilege for me to get this.

“That the French remember our efforts is very touching.

“It makes me think of many of my friends who didn’t come back and were killed on that beach and in later fighting.

“The medal is for all of them as well.”

After the coastal fighting subsided Mr Westhead’s battalion was split to provide reinforcements and he was sent to join the Highland Light Infantry who he travelled with through Belgium and Holland, before his active service ended in Palestine.

After the war, Mr Westhead worked at a foundry in Cherry Tree Blackburn and later Darwen Paper Mill.

His wife, Margaret, died three-years-ago and he has one daughter, Frances Shuttleworth who is a retired teacher who worked at St Charles Primary in Rishton.

The Légion d’honneur was established in 1802 by Napoléon Bonaparte.

It is France’s highest distinction and is awarded in recognition of both military and civilian merit.

On average, just 10 British nationals per year receive the Légion d’honneur.

George Nicholson, 64, is a member of the regimental association which helped Mr Westhead apply for the honour.

He said: “Every one of our members is rightly proud of Richard and he deserves this recognition.

“He’s a lovely man and still a real livewire.”

Mr Westhead was given a Blackburn with Darwen Good Neighbours Award last year by the council for his work at Bold Venture Park where he also ensures the area around the war memorial is kept clean and tidy.