A man from Little Clifton was awarded the highest French military honour for his services during World War Two.

Joseph Leo Smith, known as Leo, received the award at a ceremony at Heaton Barracks, Newcastle, for his bravery in the liberation of France.

Mr Smith, 93, served with the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders and fought in France and Belgium with the 91st antitank regiment.

His daughter Jennifer Walker and her husband Les accompanied him to receive the honour.

Jennifer said: "He is very proud. For a very long time he wouldn't talk about the war, which is quite common for veterans.

"He's seen so many dreadful things and lost so many colleagues.

"He is so grateful that he's had a happy life.

"During the war he never thought he would survive."

Mr Smith enlisted in the Army in January 1942.

Jennifer said: "He want to Brighton and was sleeping in empty hotels, waiting to invade France.

"Wooden tanks were made to fool the Germans, who thought they were going to invade Calais.

"He was given a French phrase book and set sail to Normandy."

After the war he also served in Burma for a year.

He then got a job as a mechanic in Moss Bay, Workington and developed Nepgill caravan park in Bridgefoot.

Jennifer said: "He built that from nothing and he was doing both jobs at the same time.

"He sold the caravan park when he retired."

Mr Smith is married to Mary and has three grandchildren, aged between 25 and 32, and a 20-month-old great grandson.

Jennifer said: "We're all very proud of him and the ceremony was very special."