A NORTH-EAST war veteran has been awarded France's highest decoration in recognition of his contribution to the liberation of Europe 60 years ago.

Thomas Robson, of Hanover Gardens, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, said he was stunned to learn he was to receive the Legion d'Honneur from the French Ambassador at a ceremony earlier this week.

The 79-year-old received the call days before the ceremony to tell him that he would be given the accolade.

His sister, Joyce Duff, 71, from Coundon Gate, near Bishop Auckland, said: "It came quite out of the blue but he was very proud and so am I. We have a sister who is 86 and another brother, 75, and they are thrilled to bits. The medal is lovely."

Mr Robson, a widower, is in France with other veterans who meet once a month in the village of Close House, near Bishop Auckland.

It is a journey the veteran has made before to pay respect to his fallen comrades.

Mrs Duff said yesterday: "I am not sure what he did over there because I was only ten when he went. I have been with him to France before and it is a poignant time for them all."