A SECOND World War veteran has been awarded France’s highest military honour for his efforts to liberate the country from the Nazis.

Thomas Livesey from Orford joined the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry at the age of 18 in 1941, also serving with the Royal Army Ordinance Corps during his five years in the forces.

The 94-year-old fought to liberate France in Normandy, also serving in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.

On Monday, July 4, he was awarded France’s highest military honour, the Legion D’Honneur, in a ceremony at Arley Hall in Northwich.

Thomas was joined by his family and friends as Madame Aude AuClair, the French honorary consul, presented him with the medal.

Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Trelawny, secretary of the Rifles Association, gave a speech about his service.

Grandad-of-one Thomas, who worked on the railways following his service, said: “I didn’t feel like it was my medal until they presented it to me – it was a great honour.”