UK's oldest WW2 veteran receives freedom honour

Donald Rose was granted the Freedom of Erewash at a small ceremony at his care home in Ilkeston

The UK's oldest surviving World War Two veteran has been awarded the Freedom of Erewash.

Donald Rose, who is also the UK's oldest man aged 110, was honoured by Erewash's youngest ever mayor, 25-year-old Harry Atkinson, at a ceremony at his care home in Ilkeston, Derbyshire.

Atkinson said it was a "privilege" to present the award to the veteran.

Receiving the award, Mr Rose said it was "great" and "very nice to see all the people" at the small event.

"I want to say thank you very much for coming to see me," he said.

"I didn't do anything that anybody else wouldn't have done."

Donald's son David has said his father is a hero

His son, David Rose, said he was proud of his dad, adding: "Bearing in mind what he's been through, it's quite something, and he's still here to tell the tale.

"You start telling [his] story and you get a lump in your throat. All I can say is I'm extremely proud of the man.

"Thank you to the council, greatly appreciated, and he deserves it.

He also praised the work of the British Legion for supporting veterans like his father.

Paul Scott, John Sewell and Paul Jarvis from the Ilkeston and Long Eaton branches of the Legion attended the ceremony.

Harry Atkinson said veterans like Donald "need recognising".

"We've had a generation of people that served in WW2," he said. "Some gave the ultimate sacrifice.

"This is in recognition of not just Donald but to them as well. They allowed us the freedoms that we have today.

"If anything, it's a shame that it's taken us this long. 110 is a bit too long I think!"

Erewash's youngest ever mayor Harry Atkinson said it was a "priviledge" to present the award to the country's oldest WW2 veteran

The leader of the council James Dawson said it was a unanimous decision of the authority to award Donald the freedom of the borough.

"It's the highest honour that any local authority can bestow," he said.

"It is in recognition of Donald and his service, but also [a] special things in this 80th year of VE day and VJ day.

"People who took part, people like Donald, we have to treasure the time we have with them."

Mr Rose was born in Westcott in Surrey on 24 December 1914.

He joined the Queen's Royal Regiment at the age of 25 and went on to train as a sniper.

He served in North Africa and Europe and puts his longevity down to salty water he had to drink during his time as a Desert Rat.

Mr Rose, who turned 110 last December, enjoyed a wartime-themed party at the care home where he lives in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, for VE day anniversary celebrations earlier this month.