A WIRRAL war veteran has received the highest French military honour.

Mathew Toner, from West Kirby, learned he was recipient of the prestigious Legion d'Honneur in a letter from the French Embassy.

The 91-year-old was awarded in recognition of his efforts during the Normandy landings in 1944.

He told the Globe: "I was quite amazed and very honoured to learn I was to receive a medal."

Born in Birkenhead, Mathew attended the then St Hugh's School.

His working life started Cammell Laird. But he was there for just five days before deciding, at the age of 16, to join the navy.

Wirral Globe:

Mathew Toner in naval uniform

During service he went to America and Burma and was among the first 100,000 soldiers who landed at Normandy on D-day, June 6, 1944.

Looking back, he continued: "At 16 I wasn't particularly worried, because when you are young you don't see the danger.

"I stayed with the navy after the war, working for a diving team covering the coast of England. I loved my time with the navy."

After returning to civilian life, Mathew worked for Lever Brothers in Port Sunlight and Associated Octel in Ellesmere Port.

The Legion d'Honneure is awrded by the French Government to all surviving veterans of the D-Day landings.

Wirral Globe:

Often referred to as the National Order of the Legion of Honour or Legion of Honour Award, it was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1803.

Mathew learned the news in a letter from Sylvie Bermann from the French Embassy.

She wrote: "I have the pleasure of informing you that the President of the Republic has appointed you to the rank of Chevalier in the Order national de la Legion d'honneur.

"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."