Riber man Col Denis Walton was awarded a certificate of merit for his services to the army at the 2008 Assembly of the Royal Artillery.

In 1944, Col Walton won the Military Cross for his involvement in the Allies' breach of the gothic line in Italy.

And he was pleased to have been recognised for his dedication and fundraising efforts since leaving the army.

He said: "I'm delighted – I certainly wasn't expecting this.

"Over the years one's done what one's had to do both serving in the Royal Artillery and assisting their charities."

In 1943, Col Walton set a record for a junior officer by accepting the surrender of over 10,00 Germans in Tunisia.

Col Walton said: "I looked up and there was this huge crowd like coming towards us – I couldn't tell if they were attacking us or not.

"I went out to see them and within about 50 yards of them I realised they were all smiling. I was quite relieved that none of us were going to shoot each other," he added.