A Kenton man celebrated receiving a Legion of Honour medal with his family at a summer party.

Kenneth Carter, who turns 98 next week, was awarded France’s highest military accolade earlier this year for his contribution towards the liberation of France in 1944.

Mr Carter was stationed in Yorkshire during the war, training soldiers to use Bren light machine guns.

He moved to Kenton after the war and has lived in the same house for more than 60 years. Members of his family came over on Sunday to celebrate his upcoming birthday and that of his late wife, who would have turned 95.

“He really enjoyed it – we had a lovely time,” said daughter Dianna Widdis, who lives in Harrow.

“He wasn’t able to go to the French embassy so we held our own little event for him.

“He just sat on his recliner and let people to come him. It was nice to have all the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren together.”

Mr Carter was belatedly awarded the medal earlier this year for his contribution towards the war effort.

“We applied for the medal – out of the blue a parcel arrived and a letter,” said Mrs Widdis.

“He was surprised and a bit overwhelmed. He keeps looking at it. He finds it more amusing than anything to be honest.”