A 94-year-old man from Tywyn has received a medal for helping to liberate France during the Second World War.

Leslie Christopher Mason, who is known as Chris, has been awarded the French Ordre National de la Légion d’honneur.

The Legion of Honour is the highest French order of merit for military and civil merits.

Mr Mason’s niece, Joanne Chesworth said her uncle “rarely talks about his experience”, but served on HMS Bridport as an Ordinary Seaman.

“He was involved in the mine sweeping activities during the actual invasion on D-Day,” Mrs Chesworth said.

“Like many men of his generation, he very rarely talks about his experience.

“My family and I, including his three great nephews, are all very proud of him.”

Mr Mason was born in Hull in 1925.

He and his wife Joan have lived in Tywyn for 14 years.

“They moved there from Malvern Wells to be closer to family,” Mrs Chesworth explained.

Speaking to the Cambrian News, Mr Mason said he was delighted to have received the medal, but didn’t think he deserved it.

“I’m over the moon, absolutely delighted, and it’s very kind of them to send it to me, but I’m not sure I deserve it,” he said.

“I didn’t do anything out of the ordinary. I lay on the minesweeper and hoped for the best.”

Of the medal itself, he added: “It wonderful. Everyone I’ve shown it to has been very impressed.”