A CROSS Hills man has received a medal for his military service in France during World War Two.

Alan Perrow, 90, of Airedale View, has received the Légion d'honneur (Legion of Honour) medal from French president François Hollande. He was awarded the Chevalier (Knight) distinction.

He was thanked for his service and bravery and "acknowledged military engagement and steadfast involvement in the liberation of France".

Mr Perrow (pictured), a member of the Black Watch infantry, served in France from the Invasion of Normandy in 1944 to the breaking through the Siegfried Line near the Rhine River.

"It's the highest award that France has got," said Mr Perrow.

"But when you get to my age it doesn't mean quite as much as it would have 20 years ago," he said.

"It's been a long, long while since the war."

Mr Perrow joined the Black Watch when he was just 15.

"I was actually 15 but said I was 18," said Mr Perrow. "As far as the Army is concerned I'm now 93, but as far as I'm concerned I'm 90."