A 95-YEAR-OLD second world war veteran was finally able to wear his Burma Campaign medals for the first time this Remembrance Sunday.

Albert Brackstone, who only received his medals a couple of months ago, wore his brand new Burma Star, Defence Medal and War Medal to remembrance commemorations in Tangley.

The former airborne gunner was also given a new red beret for the occasion as well as help with polishing his shoes.

On his first Remembrance Sunday wearing his medals, the former bombardier said: "It's a bit strange.

"On Sunday I got a little bit emotional at times but I enjoyed it very much.

"I was quite surprised to see the number of people there.

"It was nice, everybody was very nice.

"It still comes back, what happened out there, brought back a lot of memories.

"It wasn't very nice to be in India but we survived it."

Born and bred in Ludgershall, Albert was conscripted into the army when he was 19 and in total served for five years.

He joined the Royal Artillery and was posted to 44 Indian Airbourne Division as part of the Fourteenth Army - also known as the "Forgotten Army."

He was soon promoted to bombardier and served in the Burma Campaign for around four years.

But it was not until two years ago when friend and carer, Karen Blakeman, asked where his medals were and Mr Brackstone said he did not have any.

He added that there was no mention of which medals he was entitled to when he was demobbed.

Karen, a former army sergeant, contacted local SSAFA member, Lieutenant Colonel Derek Armitage, after getting advice from another of Albert's carers, Tammy McFadyen.

After proving his involvement in the campaign the national military charity arranged for his medals to be issued, which Karen had mounted and ready to wear for Sunday.

Of Karen, the Hatherden resident, added: "She's a real friend, [the carers] all look after me very well - nothing is too much for them and they're very helpful."

He 'proudly' wore his medals for his first remembrance service at St Thomas' Church, Tangley.

Church warden, Andrew Baines, led the service, which he ended by giving an account of Albert attaining his medals.

The former army officer said: "It was a privilege to help.

"I think a lot of people are going to find it encouraging that these things to happen.

"It's quite an unusual and it's a lovely story."

Albert is now hoping to be able to wear his medals at next year's Remembrance Sunday.