A British veteran who ‘told a little fib’ to get into the army when he was just 16 has been honoured with France’s highest medal for his role in the Second World War, 80 years on.

Dennis Smith, 98, from Dormanstown, has been appointed to the rank of Chevalier in the Order national de la Légion d’Honneur for his “military engagement and steadfast involvement” in the Liberation of France during the war.

Now a now living in the Astune Rise care home in Eston, Middlesbrough, the great-grandad received the prestigious award surrounded by his family.

He joined the Home Guard aged 16, despite the official age requirement being 18, but says: "It was a little fib to get into the forces, and I don’t regret it.”

Dennis Smith.Dennis Smith. (Image: PR) Speaking about receiving the Légion d’Honneur, Dennis said: "It is a great honour to receive this medal. At the time, we just did what we had to do. I never expected anything like this, but I am very grateful. It brings back many memories, and I am proud to have played my part."

“I was very overwhelmed with it all. I’m used to being in the background and watching but to be the ‘star man’ it’s quite overwhelming.

His son Paul Smith added: “We’re amazed to have this award given to him after all this time, the recognition of his service in World War Two, it was quite out of the blue.”

In 1944, Dennis joined the Green Howards and was sent to France, where he later became part of the Black Watch Regiment. His service took him through Belgium and the Netherlands before Germany, where he was based when the war ended. He later served with the Lincoln Regiment and the Worcester Regiment, where he took part in peacekeeping operations in Italy before completing his military service in Germany.

After leaving the armed forces, Dennis trained as a sheet metal worker, but work in the industry became scarce. He then found employment as a bus driver with United Buses, where he met Rose, a bus conductor known as a ‘clippy’. The couple married in 1952 and welcomed their son, Paul, in 1953. Today, Dennis is a proud grandad of two and great-grandfather to four.

Dennis Smith.Dennis Smith. (Image: PR) Dennis later worked for ICI as a shift inspector for 17 years before finishing his career at Air Products, retiring in 1989.

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He was presented with the award by Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Jo Ropner and Brigadier General Armel Dirou, Deputy Commander of the 1st UK Division Allied Reaction Force Land Component Command.

Brigadier General Armel Dirou added: "The people of France will always be grateful to veterans like Dennis, who risked everything for freedom. The Légion d’Honneur is the highest honour France can bestow, and Dennis’s courage and sacrifice more than deserve this recognition."

Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Jo Ropner said: "Dennis’s dedication and bravery during the war are truly commendable. This award is a fitting tribute to his role in the liberation of France. It is a privilege to be part of this special occasion, recognising his remarkable service."