A 102-YEAR-OLD Second World War veteran waited four hours for an ambulance on the 70th anniversary of VJ Day.

Middlesbrough man Harold Beeforth was left on the floor of his nursing home for hours after falling over and injuring his head on Saturday, August 15.

His devastated family today highlighted the stark contrast between his treatment and the nationwide celebrations staged to mark VJ Day and honour war veterans like Mr Beeforth.

In a bid to highlight their father’s plight, Mr Beeforth’s daughters – Linda Smith and Dorothy Parry – and son, John, have penned letters to Prime Minister David Cameron and their local MPs.

Mrs Smith praised the swift actions of staff at Middlesbrough’s Windermere Grange care home but said the family needed answers from the ambulance service.

She said: “After calling 999 and telling them Dad had fallen and hurt his head, the staff were told not to move him.

“I got there a few minutes later and he was laid on the floor – he was very confused and became more uncomfortable as time went on.

“We phoned 999 again after two hours but they told us to leave him on the floor as he had a head injury that could be made worse if we moved him.

“The ambulance came after four hours and the paramedics got Dad back on his feet.

“It’s not their fault, they were doing their job and they did it kindly and efficiently.

“But we’re determined to persist with this as we don’t feel it was fair and it was terrible for Dad.”

She added: “I came home and the television was full of celebrations for VJ Day and I thought of what my Dad had gone through.

“He did a lot for the community throughout the years and worked hard all of his life – now the system is letting him down – Dad didn’t carry on to be treated like this.

“We know there are emergencies but it was four hours and it was a long four hours.”

John Beeforth added: “I am angry and frustrated that my father could be treated this way by a system that is lauded as being one of the best in the world.”

Middlesbrough MPs Andy McDonald and Tom Blenkinsop have agreed to meet with the family to discuss the matter.

In response, the North East Ambulance Service confirmed they were called to reports of a person injured from a fall at 10.49am on Saturday.

A spokeswoman added: WThe patient was assessed and their condition was not considered to be life threatening.

"Due to particularly high demand at the time, unfortunately we were unable to send any resources until 2.33pm.

"The patient was reassessed during the wait and once on scene we were able to treat him at home."