A NAVY veteran who fought in The Korean War and who is a founder member of Skipton Royal Naval Association and lifetime president was presented with the Armed Forces flag, which was raised in Skipton last week.

Sam Bottomley, who joined the Royal Navy in 1950 and saw action between 1950 and 1952 on HMS Belfast in Korea, was honoured with the presentation of the flag by vice chair of Craven District Council, Councillor Chris Rose.

Over the years Sam has worked tirelessly for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, having been the legion’s chairman for an impressive 62 years.

Armed Forces Week is an annual celebration of the country’s serving officers, cadets, veterans and reservists.

The flag had been raised at a special ceremony at Holy Trinity Church last Monday (June 20) and was taken down after Sunday's celebrations marking the end of Armed Forces Week 2022.

Civic dignitaries joined veterans from Skipton’s Royal British Legion to witness the special ceremony.

The flag raising and lowering ceremonies are normally held at Skipton Town Hall, however, due to the refurbishment works currently taking place at the Town Hall, Holy Trinity Church kindly stepped in and agreed to fly the flag from their flagpole. The Rev. Canon James Theodosius blessed the flag before it was raised last week.

At Sunday’s service, Craven District Council’s Armed Forces Champion Cllr David Ireton said: “My role as Armed Forces Champion is to make sure that as a Council we consider the needs of all our armed forces community, recognise and remember the sacrifices made by them and make sure that they are treated with fairness and respect in the community they serve.”

Cllr Rose said: “Armed Forces Day is an annual opportunity for us all to show our support to the men and women who make up our Armed Forces Community. Thank you for all those that serve or have served.”

She also thanked the Rev. James Theodosius and Holy Trinity Church for stepping in to fly the flag from the church tower while work is being carried out on the town hall.

Chairman of the Royal Naval Association, Ben Turpin honoured Sam Bottomley for his services and sacrifices over the years.

He said: “Sam is a trouper and is proud of his naval history. He never ceases to enjoy the company of likeminded people and gets enormous pleasure from swapping stories with those who are interested.”