A 94-YEAR-OLD border resident has been awarded France's highest award for military bravery for his part in the D-day landings.

Bert Garrod, from Presteigne, was recently awarded the Legion d'Honneur medal for his role as a driver and dispatch riders.

Bert who landed on Sword beach on D-day, June 6, 1944, drove Canadian and British troops towards the enemy.

He also carried vital messages on his motorcycle between the various command posts, a lonely and dangerous job for which he was awarded the British Empire medal by King George the Fifth.

He fought on with his colleagues through Europe and eventually they were there to liberate the notorious Bergen Belsen concentration camp.

After the war Bert followed his father’s footsteps and became a taxi driver until he reluctantly retired several years ago.

Bert already has several hard won medals including the BEM, D-Day medal and finally the treasured Legion d'Honneur.