A SECOND World War veteran living in North Bradley is thrilled to have been awarded a Medal of Honour for helping to liberate Norway during the Second World War.

Ken Foster, of Ash Drive, was given the commemorative medal by honorary consul for Norway, Nigel Fletcher, at County Hall on Monday to thank the former telegraphist, a crew member on the ship that returned Prince Olav to Norway in May 1945.

Mr Foster, who served in the Navy from the age of 17-21, was thrilled to receive the honour, something he and his family are very proud of.

"This means so much to me. I just wish that those who were also on the destroyer that set out from Scotland in 1945 were there to collect their medals too," he said.

"More than 70 years on I still remember it well. We just happened to be on hand when Prince Olav was ready to return. We picked him up from a naval base in Scotland and took him to Stavanger. The reception we got was wonderful, I have never forgotten it.

"The Norwegians were occupied for five years so at first they seemed cautious when we approached but when we raised the Norwegian flag it was okay.

"It is a great honour and the medal will certainly be staying in the family."