D-Day veteran 'overwhelmed' as he receives replacements for missing medals lost at service station

A blind Second War World veteran says he has been "overwhelmed" by the public response to track down his missing medals after they disappeared at a motorway service station.

D-Day veteran Alfred Barlow, 96, described efforts to locate his medals as "amazing" moments after he was presented with a replacement set.

Mr Barlow's story generated a huge amount of interest across the UK when he issued a tearful plea to be reunited with his decorations.

Now Mr Barlow, who fought on the Normandy beaches more than 70 years ago, has thanked those who came to his aid during a ceremony at Hampton Court, south west London.

His medals went missing after Mr Barlow visited the gents toilet at Norton Canes services, near Walsall, on the M6 Toll on June 8.

Speaking to ITV News, Mr Barlow said he was happy he could now pass on the medals to his grandson.

During the subsequent investigation, a £5,000 reward for information leading to the medals' recovery and the arrest and conviction of those responsible was offered by Crimestoppers.

Actor Hugh Grant also made a £1,000 offer to reunite Mr Barlow with the 1939-1945 Star, the France & Germany Star, the 1939-1945 War Medal and the Palestine Medal.

"I am overwhelmed by the attention I have received over these missing medals," Mr Barlow said at the ceremony on Thursday.

"It's amazing that Hugh Grant, who I've never met in my life, offered a £1,000 reward for the return of the medals, and other people have also offered smaller sums."

He added: "I'm very grateful for all the attention that has been afforded me today."

Mr Barlow was presented with his replacement medals by a representative from Blind Veterans UK.

His wife was in attendance with him at the ceremony at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.

Anyone with information on the lost medals is asked to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or the Blind Veterans UK hotline on 0800 389 7979.