Brian, who lives in Meadowcroft Close, Rotherham with his wife Enid, won the award when he was 14 at Loncar School in Barnsley but never received his medal as there was a shortage of metal during the war.

After he told his story to Guinness Care and Support Scheme Manager Vicky Schofield she decided to contact The Royal Lifesaving Society - and Brian was over the moon when the medal that Vicky had engraved with his name was finally presented to him.

“Receiving his medal after all these years has given Brian such a lift, we are so delighted,” says Enid. “He was so pleased to get such a lovely letter from the Royal Lifesaving Society and his medal at last.

“He was always proud of having achieved the award but, of course, there wasn’t the metal around during the war. His brother was killed two weeks before the war ended and then Brian joined the forces and went to Malaya and didn’t think to apply for it after that.

“He just mentioned it to Vicky when she came to see him and she decided to follow it up. We really appreciate what she did, she is such a lovely person and so kind to everyone. It’s just wonderful and lifted Brian so much.”

Vicky says: “Mr and Mrs Middleton have spent their lives helping other people, you could not meet a nicer couple and it is a pleasure to do something for them.

“As a Care and Support Scheme Manager it’s all about making a difference, and seeing Mr and Mrs Middleton’s face when they got the letter and medal made it all worthwhile.”

Faye Williamson from The Royal Lifesaving Society says: “We are delighted to finally give Mr Middleton the medal he truly deserves.”