A WEAVERHAM grandad has been awarded one of France’s top military honours for his heroic efforts during the Second World War.

Veteran soldier Cyril Massey, of Northwich Road, was given the award in a letter from the French ambassador in the UK Sylvie Bermann.

The letter said: “I have the pleasure of informing you that the President of the Republic has appointed you to the rank of the Chevalier inthe order national de la Legion d’honneur.

“I offer you my warmest congratulations on this high honour in recognition of your acknowledged military engagement and your steadfast involvement in the liberation of France during the Second World War.

Cyril was unwilling to speak to the Guardian about his wartime experiences.

However, his granddaughter Helen Frame said he had served with the Highland Light Infantry on the Normandy Landings.

She said: “Cyril would like to thank the French Ambassador and Mr Alf Brandreth of the 'Para' Association.

“My grandad wanted me to mention Alf and his fellow 'paras' who still travel the length and breadth of Europe attending church parades, services, memorials and visiting war graves.

“We must never forget those soldiers who never returned.”

The French ambassador told Cyril: “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.”