Retired colonel Toby Seymour, who served nearly 46 years with the Army and has completed another 19 years with a Derbyshire services' help group was invited to Number 10 as part of last week's Armed Forces Day celebrations.

Mr Seymour (78), of Heathfield Close, said he was tremendously proud to have been invited.

"It was a wonderful experience and very informal by comparison with parades. Gordon Brown had a nice chat with me and was very sincere."

The pensioner joined the Army aged 14 and served with The Royal Signals with active service in Korea, The Arabian Peninsula War, and the Cyprus Eoka Uprising.

He is also a case worker for the Derbyshire branch of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association - Forces Help group and used to be the branch's county secretary and deputy chairman.

Mr Seymour was among 40 selected veterans from across the country invited to the reception, at Downing Street, on Thursday last week and was escorted by NE Derbyshire Labour MP Natascha Engel.

Gordon Brown complimented Mr Seymour for his dedication and praised his work helping current and ex-service men and women and their families with benefits advice, medical care and support.

Mr Seymour added: "The PM gave a speech thanking all the veterans and gave a special mention of the courage and dedication shown by men and women currently on active service."

* Chesterfield Mayor, Chesterfield borough councillor Adrian Kitch, also honoured six former service personnel with Veteran Badges, at Eastwood Hall, in the town, on Wednesday, where Mr Seymour represented the SSAFA with a stall.