A NAVY man who was among the first to land on D-Day has received France's highest honour for his part in the country's liberation.

Second World War veteran Joseph Sherburne has been awarded the Legion d'honneur following the pledge made by French President François Hollande to honour all British veterans who served in his country during the war.

He was a stoker as part of the 509th battalion, Landing Craft Assault Flotilla, who helped the US Army Rangers Group to gain access to Pointe du Hoc on the beaches of Normandy and launch an assault on the German fortifications.

He said: "I was very pleased to be sent the award after all these years, I am very proud.

"You never forget what happened there — we were one of the first battalions there on D-Day. I am proud to have been part of that operation."

Mr Sherburne received a letter from the French ambassador to the UK, Sylvie Bermann, in which she describes him as a hero.

She wrote: "As we contemplate this Europe of peace, we must never forget the heroes like you, who came from Britain and the Commonwealth to begin the liberation of Europe by liberating France.

"We owe our freedom and security to your dedication, because you were ready to risk your life."

Mr Sherburne, now aged 91, also played a role in the liberation of Holland following the war, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his efforts.

He travelled to London to receive the medal from King George VI.

However, the King was unwell and could not attend so instead he received a letter apologising for his absence and thanking him for his work.

Mr Sherburne signed up in 1942 aged 17, and after the war worked in a number of jobs including insurance and at a glass company.

He was originally born in Accrington, but now spends much of his time with his daughter and her family in Westhoughton.

He continues to be a regular at bingo nights at Westhoughton Conservative Club, where he has been a member for 30 years.

Mr Sherburne's grandson, Neil Pendlebury, who helped him apply for the award, said: "He is absolutely over the moon. He doesn't talk about that time much because of what it entailed, but he is very proud about the award.

"We applied last July and were delighted when it came through the post this week."

The Legion d'honneur is France's top accolade for an elite group of people who distinguish themselves through civilian or military valour.

It was created in 1802 by the then First Consul of the French Republic, Napoleon Bonaparte.