Veteran Capt Tom Moore to be given freedom of Keighley after raising £13m for NHS

Ninety-nine year-old Captain Tom Moore will be given the freedom of his home town of Keighley after raising more than £13m for the NHS.

The war veteran originally wanted to raise £1,000 for NHS Charities Together by completing laps of his garden before his 100th birthday later this month.

But he smashed his target after more than 650,000 people made donations to his fundraising page.

Now Keighley Town Council has said it will honour his efforts by bestowing the Freedom of Keighley.

Capt Moore was born and brought up in Keighley, attending Keighley Grammar School and later completing an apprenticeship as a civil engineer.

The town council last gave their highest honour – to the Yorkshire Regiment – in 2011.

Mayor Cllr Peter Corkindale said: “What Capt Moore has achieved is simply extraordinary and I can’t think of a more fitting tribute to him from his home town to make him a Freeman.

"This isn’t an honour the council bestows on people lightly but I can’t think of anyone more deserving that Capt Moore. His lifetime of service to our country is inspiring.”

Keighley MP Robbie Moore MP added: “Capt Tom Moore is an absolute inspiration to us all. I am in awe of his dedication and willpower to raise so much money for our beloved NHS. The amount of money which Captain Tom has raised so far is incredible."