Donald, 110, awarded Freedom of Borough

Councillor Harry Atkinson, 25 – who took over as civic leader in May just a week after VE Day – presented the D-Day hero with a framed scroll at Ilkeston’s Canal Vue Care Home.

Harry told the old soldier he was being honoured as a symbol of the country’s entire wartime  generation. The new Mayor joked: “I hope you’ve got some sheep . . . because you can now herd them across the Market Place!”

Grinning Donald told of his pride at being awarded the borough’s highest accolade. He said as council top brass and local Royal British Legion officials looked on: “I feel so happy. It is great to see so many people here.”

But he insisted modestly when reminded how he helped to preserve our freedom by battling the Nazis: “I didn’t do anything that anyone else would not have done.”

Donald puts his longevity down to the salty water he had to drink while serving as a Desert Rat. He reckons that combined with dog biscuits he resorted to eating it “pickled” his insides. He says that these days Maltesers and the odd tot of rum may also play a part.

His son David was at the ceremony which was also attended by ex-Mayor Cllr Kate Fennelly – who continues to serve as an Armed Forces champion for the council. She used to be in the RAF.

A news crew from BBC TV’s East Midlands Today filmed Donald’s joy. He is no stranger to appearing on the telly – after starring on The One Show in the run-up to the nation celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8.

Council leader James Dawson accompanied the delegation from the town hall. He said: “Donald fought for the freedom we all enjoy – so it is only fitting we award him the freedom of the borough.”