France’s highest war decoration has been presented to Hindhead D-Day veteran Jim Humphries.

Mr Humphries, who is 98 and a resident of RMBI home Shannon Court, was awarded the insignia of the Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur, by France’s London consul general Sylvaine Carta-Le Vert.

The Legion of Honour has been awarded to all surviving D-Day veterans, following a move by former French President Francois Hollande announced on the 70th anniversary of D-Day, back in 2014.

Presenting the award, Madame Carta-Le Vert said: “You are a true hero and you will be, like all your companions of arms, our heroes forever.

“We French will never forget what you did to restore our freedom.”

Born in 1918, Mr Humphries followed in his father’s footsteps and began working at St John Ambulance Brigade at the age of 18, before joining the Royal Army Medical Corps, where he served for more than 10 years.

During the Second World War, he travelled extensively, performing medical duties on troop ships. When France was invaded, he assisted in a surgical unit as part of a combined operation, landing at Lion-sur-Mer in France, on D-Day.

His unit attended to the most seriously wounded and those who were unable to travel back home.

“The unit attended to wounded French, British and other allied countries, as well as Germans and civilians,” his son Andrew said. “Field surgical unit records show a remarkable 90 per cent survival rate from the hundreds of operations performed.”

The award ceremony was attended by family and friends, and assistant provincial grand masters Bill Caughie and Trevor Raines.

Mr Humphries is pictured receiving his award.