War veteran Albert is honoured for his '˜outstanding service'

Albert Robilliard was given a special award at a ceremony, which also saw the town council give away nearly £5,000 to community groups and good causes.

The leading aircraftman, of Normanton, was recognised for the service to his country and the people of France during Second World War.

Earlier this year the 92-year-old was presented Légion d’honneur medal, France’s highest military award, for his heroism in the fight against the Nazis.

Normanton Town Council also felt that it was important to recognise his achievement locally.

Coun Barry Smith, chairman of the finance committee, said: “It was particularly moving to see the presentation to Mr Robilliard who received the Outstanding Service Award for his service during World War Two.”

The ceremony at Normanton Town Hall also saw the council make cash awards to a raft of deserving organisations under the small grants’ scheme.

The awards went to Five Towns Musical Theatre Society, £250 for venue hire; Normanton St Johns Cricket Club, £500 for sports equipment; Altofts Methodist Shell Group netted £400 for an animation project.

The Prince of Wales Hospice received £200 for pressure reducing cushions. St John Ambulance was awarded £420 for a defibrillator training unit.

Other recipients were Normanton Lions Club, £250; The Friends of Newfield House, £218; Normanton Camera Club, £250; Altofts Welfare Bowling Club, £295, Altofts Community Sports Foundation, £500; Normanton and Altofts Senior Citizens Association, £50; Normanton Knights ARLFC, £379.99; The Alice Bacon Memorial Trust, £500. Smirthwaite Park Bowling Club received £475 and Spectrum Children’s Drama Group got £300 for a snow machine.

Coun Smith added: “It’s great that we can support so many local good causes and really wonderful that there are so many people in our community giving up their time on a voluntary basis to run these groups. We know that they all do a marvellous job and we are delighted to be able to support them in this way.