A SECOND World War veteran has been presented with France’s highest military honour as part of two special events in Darlington to help celebrate the work and dedication of the armed forces.

A special Raise the Flag ceremony was held in the town today (Monday, June 19), when a there was a short parade of the Military Association from the Town Hall to the Market Square followed by a flypast by a Hawk aircraft from RAF Leeming.

Tom Baker, who was among the guests of honour, was presented with the Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur Chevalier by the Mayor Cllr Jan Taylor on behalf of the French Government for his services in defence of the citizens of France during the D Day operations.

Mr Barker, from Darlington, served with the Royal Navy and was part of the crew of HMS Duff, which was in action in the English Channel guarding the D Day landings against enemy attack. He later served on board the aircraft carrier HMS Victorious with the Pacific Fleet off Japan.

The next event in the town's Armed Forces celebration is the annual Proms in the Park event on Sunday at the Bandstand in Darlington’s South Park, from 3pm.

The free event will offer music for all tastes and ages and revellers are encouraged to bring along their own picnic and chairs.