A 95 YEAR-OLD Bradford war hero has celebrated with family and friends after being awarded the highest French honour for his service during the Second World War.

Maurice Sutcliffe received the Orde national de la Légion d’honneur, or Legion of Honour, from Jeremy Burton, the honorary consul for France.

Established by Napoléon Bonaparte in 1802, the Legion is awarded for military and civil conduct.

Mr Sutcliffe was commended for his brave service during the D-Day Landings on Juno Beach on June 6, 1944, when he was aboard a landing craft carrying four tonnes of anti-tank shells.

To mark the occasion, a host of well-wishers including Mr Sutcliffe’s children and grandchildren gathered for a tea party at the Anchor Quarry Dene retirement scheme in Henderson Place, Wibsey, where he is a resident.

A letter from the Ambassade de France to Mr Sutcliffe read: “I offer you my warmest congratulations on this high honour in recognition of your acknowledged military engagement and your steadfast involvement in the Liberation of France during the Second World War.

“We owe our freedom and security to your dedication because you were ready to risk your life.”

Mr Sutcliffe, who served in the Royal Marines from August 28, 1941, to February 3, 1946, said: “I am very pleased and proud to receive this very high honour from the French.”