A SECOND World War hero who risked his life behind enemy lines has won a prestigious brave Briton award.

Major Richard Hargreaves from South Petherton, scooped the top award in the Outstanding Military Bravery category of the Amplifon Charles Holland Awards for Brave Britons.

The 96-year-old holds both the Military Cross and the French Legion d’Honneur in recognition of his heroism in campaigns in Europe.

As part of the Allied Invasion of Italy, he led his men during a three-month battle against German forces which culminated in a daring night attack to seize the Laterza Bridge in the Apulia region. He later parachuted into Southern France as part of Operation Dragoon, fighting off German forces who were trying to prevent the Allies from liberating the region.

Major Hargreaves later served in Greece, engaging in street fighting with Greek communist guerillas who were trying to bring Athens under Russian control.

He said: “I was very surprised and honoured when I heard that I had been nominated. And I was even more surprised to hear my name called out during the event.

“It was wonderful. I think the idea of the Amplifon awards is an excellent one. I am enormously impressed by the entire event and the stories of the other nominees. It is a little bit overwhelming to be honest. I enjoyed meeting every one of the other finalists.”

Global hearing specialist Amplifon launched its search to find the best of British in memory of its founder and Second World War hero Charles Holland who was honoured for his bravery by Britain and America.

The awards recognised members of the public and existing and ex-military personnel who have shown - like Charles Holland - remarkable acts of courage, bravery and incredible selflessness, showing them to be the best of British.

Falklands hero Simon Weston presented Major Hargreaves with the award at a special ceremony at the Churchill War Rooms in London.

Falklands veteran Simon Weston led the judging panel and said: “I was honoured to be asked by Amplifon to be one of the judges for the Charles Holland Awards for Brave Britons because all the finalists had truly remarkable stories. It was a very tough decision. When I read Major Hargreaves’ story it was truly touching. They’ve showed a great deal of courage and selflessness.

“It’s wonderful to see the unsung heroes in our midst – the truly remarkable people who are an inspiration to us all — finally given the recognition they deserve."