THE finest hours of a Guiseley war hero who is battling against an ulcer in hospital have been recognised by the French Government.

Harry Holmes, who is 101, was delighted when he learned that he was to receive the French Legion d'Honneur award for his bravery in the Great War from 1915 to 1917.

But a paperwork blunder meant that Mr Holmes, of Tranbeck Road, almost missed out when other surviving war veterans received awards to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the war's end.

After the initial setback, the award was almost lost to him for the second time when he collapsed while visiting relatives in Sheffield on New Year's Eve.

His granddaughter, Christine Crump, 55, said: "It was such a shock to us all on New Year's Eve. Sadly he was taken very ill."

He was taken to Sheffield's Royal Hallamshire Hospital, where a spokesman described his condition as poorly but stable.

But the plucky war hero has survived against the odds before, according to Christine. She added: "Four years ago, in Wharfedale Hospital, we were told that he wouldn't survive the night. The consultant in Sheffield said if we reminded Harry about the award, it would help him."

Undeterred, officials travelled to the Hallamshire Hospital on Monday to present Mr Holmes with the award after a special ceremony organised by West Yorkshire Royal British Legion earlier in the day.

The French and Union flags were flying high above Leeds Civic Hall to mark the ceremony which was attended by friends and relatives of Mr Holmes. Also present were Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire John Lyles, Lord Mayor of Leeds Graham Kirkland, and officials from the Royal British Legion and the Ministry of Defence.

Mr Lyles underlined the prestige of the French Legion d'Honneur awards, introduced by Napoleon for services to France.

Neighbours and friends mentioned Mr Holmes' sense of humour, while Coun Kirkland also paid tribute. He said: "To have survived the First World War and through to the eve of the millennium is an achievement. It is a great shame that Harry has been taken severely ill over the last few days."

Howard Holmes, of Sheffield, praised his great-uncle who has lived in Guiseley for 60 years, adding: "He was a Sheffield United season ticket holder when he lived in Sheffield - and we have never forgiven him for going over to Leeds United."

A former member of the West Yorkshire Duke of Wellington regiment, Mr Holmes was a bookmaker and ran an antiques shop in Otley after the war. Yorkshire celebrity Harry Ramsden and the jockey Gordon Richards were among his close friends.

Mr Holmes, who served in the Duke of Wellington West Yorkshire Regiment, is among just four surviving veterans from West Yorkshire to receive the Legion d'Honneur.

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