AT a sprightly 100 years old, a veteran from the Second World War has been delighted to receive his medals – more than 60 years late!

Herbert Buckle was the proud recipient of the Defence Medal and the 1939-45 Campaign Medal on Tuesday, presented to him at his home in St Dominick.

Making the presentation was Roger Gage, divisional secretary and case worker for the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SAAFA).

After a visit to Herbert, and on hearing about his war service and lack of medals, Roger got to work and contacted the MoD medals office which was able to find them and send them on.

'Herbert is a wonderful, independent man, who still looks after himself, and does his own cooking,' said Roger. 'I was delighted on behalf of SAAFA to be able to sort out his medals which are richly deserved.'

Herbert was called up to serve his country in November 1939. Already in the RAF Reserve, he became a leading aircraftsman and saw service as a fitter/mechanic working on air-sea rescue launches in Northern Ireland, north Scotland and Iceland.

At the end of the war Herbert decided to move his family from the north where he had been born and brought up, to the warmer climes of Cornwall. He said his youngest daughter Dawn couldn't stand the cold of the north!

'I think I lost out on my medals because of the move,' said Herbert, 'but it means a lot to me to have them now.

'God willing, I will be able to wear them to the Remembrance Service in St Dominick Church next year, which I always attend.'

Herbert and his late wife Olive May settled into village life at St Dominick becoming very involved in the local community, including helping with fundraising and organisation in getting the parish hall built.

Herbert's eldest daughter Ann Proctor lives at Saltash, and he has three granddaughters and six great granddaughters. Some of his family who live in New Zealand were able to travel home for Herbert's 100th birthday celebrations in May.

'I can't grumble about my life and I now take each day as it comes,' said Herbert.