First World War veteran James David-son has been awarded a prestigious medal by the French government in recognition of his heroic service.

Mr Davidson, now 101, fought at the Battle of the Somme when 60,000 men were killed or wounded in the first day alone. He served with the Lancashire Fusiliers.

Now Mr Davidson, of the Northfield Manor residential home in Keighley, has received the prestigious Legion D'Honneur. The presentation was made by Yorkshire's French Consul Jeremy Burton at a ceremony in City Hall, Bradford, on Monday.

Other Britons honoured with the medal in the past include Douglas Bader, David Lloyd-George and Sir Alexander Fleming.

Mr Davidson - who already has the British War Medal and the rare Mons Star for his distinguished service - is among several people who have been awarded the Legion D'Honneur on the 80th anniversary of the armistice.

Lord Mayor Cllr Tony Miller offered to host the event to add his own respects to the former soldier. Cllr Miller says: "I am delighted to host such an historic event in City Hall to reward Mr Davidson for his valiant service on French soil during the First World War.

"We owe so much to men like him and this is a fitting tribute to his extraordinary life."

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