A NEWPORT D-Day veteran was presented with the highest French military honour during a ceremony at Newport Civic Centre yesterday.

John Davies, of Rogerstone, was awarded the Legion d'Honneur by the French Consul Marie Brousseau-Navarro in front of his wife Eileen, just two days before his 91st birthday.

Over sixty years ago, a 19-year-old Mr Davies was part of the 6th Airborne Division as they spearheaded the Normandy landings, deploying hours ahead of the sea invasion.

At midnight on June 6, Mr Davies landed in Northern France and successfully defended a crossroads to prevent German reinforcements getting to the beaches.

Following D-Day Mr Davies stayed in France as Brigadier James Hill's despatch rider during the Allied Invasion, and for the rest of the war behind enemy lines.

After the war Mr Davies continued his love of motorbikes and became a successful speedway rider before an accident ended his career.

While presenting the prestigious award on behalf of France, an emotional Mrs Brousseau-Navarro thanked Mr Davies for his service and admitted personal ties with the conflict.

"This means so much personally as my family come from Picardy, near Normandy," said the French Consul.

"My grandparents were the victims of the occupation, and they were transported to work as forced labour in Germany.

"It touches my heart directly."

Also in attendance were Mr Davies' daughter and son-in-law Catrin and Michael Fletcher, grandchildren Rachel, Rhys and Tom, with his fiancee Sarah, and his great grandchildren Edie and Rudy.

Speaking about her father, Mrs Fletcher said: "We are all so proud of him. We've been on several visits with my father to France on the 60th and 65th anniversary of the landings.

"It showed us firsthand what he went through over there."

Also in attendance were members of the Newport branch of the Parachute Regiment Association, who held a banner and saluted their fellow paratrooper Mr Davies.

The Mayor and Mayoress David and Carole Atwell hosted a congregation in their private chambers, where Mr Davies was presented with gifts and a toast.

Cllr Atwell said: "I am delighted to hose this presentation for Mr Davies and his family. This is an historic occasion and our city is honoured to be taking part."

Cllr Atwell also read out letters penned by First Minister Carwyn Jones and Newport MP Paul Flynn, who both congratulated Mr Davies on his award and thanked him for his service.