Congratulations to Fred Lloyd, at 104 one of the few surviving veterans of the First World War.

He was only a boy when he was plunged into the horrors of that war in Northern France, which included some the worst carnage the world has ever seen.

For his bravery and devotion, Mr Lloyd, who lives in an Uckfield nursing home, has just been awarded the French Legion d'Honneur.

It was only on Monday that Sussex remembered the millions of people who died in this conflict, the Second World War and many other wars of the last century.

Mr Lloyd was one of many who endured almost unimaginable horrors, fighting for a just cause on behalf of his country.

He thoroughly deserves this late recognition of his efforts. Britain as a nation owes its freedom to people like him.