Seven veterans of the Second World War were recognised at an awards evening at New Road Community Centre, Earby.

Marie Keating (nee Bellamy), Lilian Bradley, Vera Bradwell (nee Cant), Clive Foster, Dennis Peachey, Reginald Russell and Edwin Arthur Watson had the Freedom of Earby bestowed upon them by the town council.

In June, 23 veterans were recognised for their efforts in the Second World War, and the seven new recipients, from Earby, Kelbrook and Salterforth, were traced after organisers appealed for families of those who missed out first time round to come forward.

Each person was awarded a silver salver, a letter from the Queen and the Freedom of Earby, a ceremonial title given to those who have represented the town in some exceptional capacity.

They were escorted to receive their awards by Corporal Nick Hatton, a serving officer with the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, and Grayeam Copley, standard bearer for the Royal British Legion.

The project was the brainchild of town councillors James Spence, himself a Gulf War veteran, and Vera Cocker, who wanted to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with lasting recognition for ex-service people.

Saturday’s awards ceremony was tinged with sadness, as chairman of the town council, Coun Chris Tennant, told of the deaths of three of the award’s previous recipients, Jack Eastwood, Jim Wiseman and Billy Walton.