A VETERAN known for his services in the community is celebrating his 100th birthday.
John Ball from Rainhill was called in 1941 to serve in the Royal Corps of Signals and was sent to France on D-Day.
He was later chosen among others to represent The Signals at the victory parade on June 8, 1946, and in 2016, John was awarded the Legion D’Honneur medal for his part in the liberation of France.
In later years, John became well-known in the Rainhill community and became a committee member at Rainhill Village Hall.
To recognise his achievements and to celebrate John turning 100, a surprise party was organised at the village hall, which saw his friends, family, and committee members attend.
Michele Sanders, office manager at Rainhill Village Hall, said: "John was a trustee for Rainhill Village Hall for 50 years.
"He actively took part in group activities at the Hall, latterly Fit Forever where he enjoyed playing table tennis.
"He is a fun-loving character, often coming into the Hall office to share his witty anecdotes.
"Rainhill Village Hall Management Committee wishes John the happiest of birthdays."
The veteran, who has a son, grandson, and two great grandchildren, is also ‘keen’ on sport and has a wealth of knowledge about swing and jazz.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here