A 106-year-old war veteran from Coleraine has received a British Empire Medal from the Princess Royal.
The presentation to Norman Irwin was made at a garden party at Hillsborough Castle.
He is believed to be the oldest man in Northern Ireland.
With him at the presentation were family members including his 78-year-old son David and grandson Chris, 44.
The Princess Royal was attending the annual garden party at Hillsborough Castle [PA Media]
After presenting him with the medal, the Princess Royal asked Norman if he would be celebrating later with a drink.
“Bushmills,” he replied.
“Really? I never would have guessed,” she replied jokingly.
Norman insisted on standing after he received his medal [PA Media]
Even though he uses a wheelchair, Norman insisted on standing up after he received the medal.
He was awarded it in the most recent King’s Birthday Honours list for a range of voluntary work in his home town in County Londonderry, including at a cross-community club for retirees.
Norman was a factory apprentice when World War Two broke out.
He joined the Army and was deployed to Egypt to protect the Suez Canal from German attack.
He was just 20.
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