AN army veteran who had his treasured war medals stolen during a burglary has received a surprise second set of replacements – to remain on display at his local pub.

Lenny Hanratty’s medals were taken from Chilton Care Centre, where he lives, in July this year along with a large quantity of sentimental jewellery and £1,000 cash.

Following the incident the community rallied round to raise enough money to have Mr Hanratty’s medals replaced and the 90-year-old was presented with those in September.

However, what he didn’t know was that a second set was also ordered to honour the former soldier down at his local.

After a minute’s silence today to mark Remembrance Sunday in The Wheatsheaf, Mr Hanratty unveiled his framed medals to a room full of residents.

He said: “When the medals were taken it was awful. They were my medals and I fought for those in Korea and Malaya.

“Getting them back was wonderful and having them on display here is even better.”

Regulars at the pub, known locally as The Bush, including landlord Michael Slater, his brother Edward Slater, Ben Hewitt and Paul Adamson were at the forefront of the community’s response to the burglary.

Mr Adamson set up an online fundraising page, which raised more than £1,000 for the home, while the Slater brothers, Mr Hewitt and others set about sourcing the replacement medals for Mr Hanratty.

Collections were also held in shops and members of the Chilton Catholic Club raised £100. An anonymous donor also handed over £500 for the St Philips Care home at Durham Police Station.

Mr Hewitt said: “Once we had secured the first set of replacement medals for Lenny we decided to see if we were able to get a second set for the pub, to honour him here.

“We have a lot of war memorabilia here and it seemed fitting that we should have Lenny’s medals here too, he is a Chilton lad after all.”

Long time friend James Moffatt added: “Lenny unveiled the plaque which will remain on the wall in the pub for many years to come and make sure he is always remembered.”