Arise, Sir Tom Moore of Bedford

The 100-year-old veteran from Marston Moretaine has been nominated for the honour by Boris Johnson.

The knighthood is in recognition of his phenomenal fundraising effort for the NHS where he walked 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday - raising a staggering £33million for NHS Charities Together.

The Bedford story captured the nation's attention, inspiring a whole host of others to fundraise.

Captain Tom said: "I am absolutely overwhelmed. Never for one moment could I have imagined to be awarded with such a great honour. I’d like to thank Her Majesty the Queen, the Prime Minister and the Great British public. I will remain at your service.

"This started as something small and I’ve been overwhelmed by the gratitude and love from the British public and beyond.

"We must take this opportunity to recognise our frontline heroes of the National Health Service who put their lives at risk everyday to keep us safe.”

Congratulations Captain Tom, from all of us at Bedford Today.