Chapel-en-le Frith Dunkirk vet – aged 103 – named Honorary Freeman of the town

Much-loved local character Derek Eley - known for his years of fundraising for the Royal British Legion - described the award as ‘a great honour’.

He said: “I have always loved Chapel and its people and always tried to help the town.”

A certificate presented to long-lived Derek reads that the award was given for his ‘gallant and distinguished service during the Second World War’ and ‘long service to the Royal British Legion’.

Though the title is purely ceremonial today in medieval times those who received it were guaranteed privileges such as the right to trade and own property.

During his WW2 service Derek volunteered for armed service in May 1939 - four months before the declaration of hostilities.

He was given brief training before landing in Cherbourg, France, with his Sherwood Foresters regiment on November 18 – his 22nd birthday.

Derek, preferring not to relive the battle in too much detail, said: “That was when the adventure started - it was good comradeship and full of the unknown.”

As the British army retreated in May 1940 - leading to the famous Dunkirk evacuation - Derek - who was now a lance sergeant - recalls being pulled out of Cherbourg by ‘good fortune’ thanks to the ‘sharp eyes’ of an officer who saw that they were moving into a trap.

Later in the war Derek was transferred to the Intelligence Corps working in Italy as part of the psychological warfare branch - for which he received the British Empire Medal.

This was as part of the Italian Campaign - which saw some of the most bitter, costly fighting of the war - much of it in treacherous mountain terrain.

Speaking about the role - during which on one occasion he gave four Italian deserters a lift in an army vehicle over 370 miles to the country’s south - Derek said: “Most of the time I was working on my own but I was very lucky and survived.”

As well as his work for the legion Derek is also known for his undying love of Derby County FC.

Since he started following his beloved team in 1931 the war veteran has watched 1,700 games - travelling 130,000 miles to see them play during his love affair with the EFL Championship side.

While working at a company called Derbyshire Finance after the war Derek struck up a friendship with its owner Sam Longson - who also owned Derby County FC.

It was through his friendship with Sam that Chapel legend Derek came to be present at the signing of legendary manager Brian Clough in 1967.

Speaking about the secret of his longevity Derek said: ”You’ve got to be nice to people and live by the rules - keep smiling and carry on.

“If you’re nice to people they're nice to you.”

Derek, president of the Royal British Legion’s Chapel branch, has a daughter and a son - Janet and Robert. He lives independently with the help of carers and friends.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.