AN EAST Cowes man, who helped liberate France from German occupation in the Second World War, has received the Legion D'Honneur.

Eric Austin, 96, was awarded the honour by Maj Gen Sir Martin White at the Royal British Legion county meeting last month.

Mr Austin served as a vehicle mechanic and Sherman tank driver, serving in East Riding Yeomanry, and landed in Normandy five days after D-Day.

At the ceremony, he also received four replacement British Second World War medals he had lost over time.

Mr Austin said he hoped to return to Normandy and attend commemorations in Portsmouth, Poole and at Bayeux Cathedral and war cemetery in June as part of a 75th anniversary as part of the Royal British Legion cruise.