AN OLD sailor went back to France to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Normandy landings - thanks to Hillingdon Council.

Reg Payn, 85, of Greenway, Yeading, who served as a seaman during the Second World War, had his expenses paid by the council when it stepped in, following the controversy over the Government's refusal to fund trips for British veterans.

Although the Government has since offered to pay for the veterans, Hillingdon Council continued to support Mr Payn's visit, and also paid for his son Rod and his daughter-in-law Margaret to accompany him.

Mr Payn recalled June 6, 1944: "There was horrific gunfire, there were thousands of soldiers and many of them died on the beaches, some of whom I knew. It is this invasion which led to the liberation of France and drove Hitler and his mob out.

"I was a merchant seaman at the time but I was only 15 years old, and to me it just seemed to be an adventure. I saw men on other ships near us getting blown up, but didn't realise just how dangerous it was.

"When we defeated them we were exhilarated. Back at home people were waving flags everywhere.

"It's an important celebration for us, because this might be the last chance I get to pay my respects to those who died during that battle and I'm grateful to the council for supporting my visit."

After the war, Mr Payn married his sweetheart, Lilian, and the couple had five children. Lilian died six years ago.

Councillor Ray Puddifoot, the leader of the council, said: "The veterans were there when the country needed them and now we must be there when they need us.

"I was disgusted when I saw the Government wasn't supporting them, when America, Canada and France were funding their veterans.

"I think our Government was so embarrassed since this all came out that they decided to pay, but it was an insult to the people who died.

"It was estimated it would cost the Government about £500,000-£700,000 to pay for all veterans who would be able to go to France to celebrate, which isn't that much money for them to pay for those who have risked their lives for us.

"We just felt we had to support them as part of our civic duty."

Speaking after returning home from the celebrations on Sunday, Mr Payn said: "The celebrations were great and there were tens of thousands of people there. They played music of the era through loud speak-ers and the weather was beautiful.

"My family found it very interesting and my son's wife was very emotional seeing all the war graves. It was very emotional and I will go back for the 75th anniversary if I'm still alive."