EX-SERVICEMEN and a former bevin boy at an Amblecote residential home were presented with war veterans badges in honour of their service to the country.

Major Jim Massey from the Mercian Regiment and two serving members of the armed forces attended a presentation ceremony at Amblecote House last Thursday (May 16) for the old boys and girl - who are all residents at the council-run home.

Captain John Skillen presented badges to eight ex-servicemen and a bevin boy, who worked down mines during the war.

Receiving medals were Arthur Russell, a bevin boy in the collieries in Wales, Maurice Erskine, who served in the infantry division in the Caribbean army, Frederick Attwood from the Staffordshire Regiment, Alice Beavan who served during World War Two, Harry Griffiths who completed national service in the pioneer corps, Norman Furnell who served in Burma and India from 1939 to 1946 in the 2nd Worcester Infantry, Kenneth Moore who served in the Staffordshire Regiment, John King-Lewis who completed national service in the RAF and Colin Thomas from the Royal Artillery.

A veterans badge was also posthumously presented to Joseph Capewell and will be passed onto his family.

Councillor Peter Miller, Dudley's cabinet member for adult and community services, said: "We are extremely proud of all our ex-servicemen and delighted to provide an opportunity for them to receive this recognition and share it with their friends and family."

Friends, family and council officers were invited to the event - which was organised by Amblecote House care assistant, Sue Perry.