RAYLEIGH and Wickford MP and former Armed Forces Minister Mark Francois has presented Second World War Royal Navy veteran, Alan Iles, with the Legion d’Honneur, on behalf of the French government.

The award was given to Mr Iles, 92, who lives in Rayleigh, in recognition of his military involvement in the liberation of France and appoints Mr Iles as a Chevalier in the Ordre nation de la Legion d’honneur. Mr Iles joined the Royal Navy in 1943 and served on HMS Clinton.