A 93-YEAR-OLD war hero has received the highest honour that the French government can bestow on a foreign citizen.

George Gower, of Llwyngwril, was awarded the Legion­ d’Honeur two weeks ago for his contribution to liberating France during the Second World War.

Mr Gower, now a Chevalier de la Legion d’Honeur (A knight of the Legion of Honour), earned his distinction as a specialist tank driver during the horrific conflict and saw action in across the war town continent.

The veteran’s granddaughter, Angie Walsh, was justifiably proud of her family’s “hero”.

“My grandfather was a specialist tank driver during the war and spent a great part of his service on the coast of northern France supporting the land invasion by transporting military supplies/vehicles to Arramanches (Mulberry Harbour),” she told the Cambrian News.

“He spent time in France, Belgium, Italy, Algeria and Germany during the war years, and was part of large military convoys who were at risk of U-boat attacks at sea, and also risked his life on land where he witnessed bombs landing.

“As his granddaughter, I along with the rest of his family are extremely proud of his achievement,”

In a letter to Mr Gower, the French Embassy at London congratulated him on the high honour bestowed upon him, stating: “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.”