A NORMANDY veteran and great, great grandfather has received a international award for his service during the Liberation of France.

Maurice Best from Hamworthy, who turned 99 on Thursday (JAN19), has received his Legion d'Honneur medal, which is France's highest honour, following his time in the army during World War Two.

His proud granddaughter, Julie Barrett, said: "It's a lovely medal. He was quite chuffed when it came in the post.

"He said that he was mentioned in despatches, but I have never found out why. I asked once, but he told me never to ask again. In his lounge, he has got a letter from the king at the time.

"I know that he was in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps and the next thing they knew they were going over to Dunkirk."

Julie added that her grandad still lives independently and looks after his own finances. She added that Maurice was one of nine children and was married to his wife, Lucy, for 68 years, with whom he had two daughters, Yvonne, who has died, and Marise.

He is a grandfather of three, great grandfather to six and a great, great grandfather to seven and has lived in Poole throughout his life.