A veteran of a guerilla war in the Far East 50 years ago has been awarded a medal for his heroism by the Malaysian government.

John Howker, 73, of New Hey Road, East Bowling, Bradford, was among about 150 Yorkshire-based veterans presented with the Pingat Jasa Malaysia, the Service to Malaysia Award, at the Eden Camp military museum, in Malton, North Yorkshire.

The father-of-four joined the Army at the age of 17 and served as a soldier across the globe for 24 years.

He was presented with the award by Brigadier General Othman Jamal, defence attache with the Malaysian Embassy, in recognition of his “chivalry, gallantry and loyalty” as he contributed to Malaysia’s gaining independence while serving in the Far East from 1958 to 1961 and 1963 to 1966.

Mr Howker said he had been surprised to receive a medal from a foreign government.

He said: “I was surprised to get the award because it’s very rare that another government gives a medal to military soldiers. I remember my time over there fondly – I enjoyed my tour of duty.”

For more on this story see Monday’s T&A