A well known St Albans Burma Star Veteran Reg Cox, is usually standing in the background at celebrations and ceremonies, regularly saying the Kohimah epitaph as Chairman of the Burma Star Association.

However at the weekend his family and friends turned the tables on him and ensured he was the centre of attention as he reached his 90th birthday.

In a surprise unveiling ceremony attended by the Mayor of St Albans, Annie Brewster, a bench was dedicated to Mr Cox in a very special location- Jersey Farm Woodland Park.

The city’s Mayor said: "Reg has spent his life paying tribute to his fallen comrades and we are so grateful to him for what he has done in the past and, indeed, continues to contribute to St Albans.

“It is very fitting that this lovely bench in Jersey Farm Woodland Park, right by the memorial that is dedicated to the Royal Naval Assn., The L.S.T and Landing craft Assn., and the British Korean Veterans Assn., be installed for his 90th birthday.

“It will provide a perfect place for him, and other residents, to reflect".

Mr Cox served aboard ship in the Burma Campaign as a photographer in the Royal Marines.

Mr Cox added: "I cannot believe it, I think this is wonderful.

"In an hour or two I am going to pinch myself to see if this is really happening. Thank you everyone."