A WAR hero from Yate visited a new retirement village which has been named in his honour, to lay a date brick.

Leonard Trewin, who was awarded the Legion d’honneur for his service in the Parachute Regiment of the army during the Second World War, was invited to Churchill’s new development in Normandy Drive, Yate, which is still under construction.

Churchill made the decision to name the development Trewin Lodge, in honour of Leonard, after reading about his heroics during the war in a feature in the Gazette in February.

The 95-year-old said: “I am honoured my name is being used in naming this development and hope all who live here will have a long and happy retirement.”

The new village is situated at the entrance to Normandy Drive and includes 62 private, self-contained apartments specifically catering to over-60s, and includes a 24-hour care and support system for all residents.

Churchill’s regional marketing executive Jo Ridehalgh said: “It was a privilege to welcome Leonard to lay this special date brick at Trewin Lodge, which has been named in his honour.

“We’ve been delighted to play a part in the well-deserved recognition Leonard has received for his incredible service to his country and the town, and we were so impressed to see him receiving the Legion d’honneur medal over in France earlier this year.

“He is an inspiring man, and an excellent example of an older person who is still active and playing an important role in society.”

Leonard was awarded France’s highest military order of merit for his part in the liberation of the country during the war. He was presented with the Legion d’honneur in Normandy in June, 76 years after joining the army.