The Cubbington resident has received official recognition after serving in the Air Transport Auxiliary, flying Spitfires and other aircraft from factories to RAF bases.

But although the 91-year-old is delighted to be given the badge of honour, he believes it is long overdue.

He said: "It's laughable really - it has happened to a number of people.

"They did it to the Bevin Boys who went down the mines instead of going to war and the Women's Land Army - it is all coming out of the blue.

"But it is a pleasant surprise."

Mr West, who clocked up 2,500 hours in the air during more than ten years as a pilot, was born in Albert Street, Warwick in 1917.

He joined the Civil Air Guard, which had a base in Harbury Lane, Leamington, in 1938 and learned to fly under an agreement with the government that he would enlist in the event of war.

Mr West said: "We were all expecting it - we nearly went to war in 1938 so everyone knew it was only a matter of time.

"It was what I had signed up for and I thought I would have to go."

But working in a specialised profession as a telegraphist for the post office and having to wear glasses meant that Mr West was not able to join the RAF until 1941, after the Battle of Britain.

He said: "They soon got short of air crews and reduced the standard.

"I was always prepared to take the chance with others but I just did not have the medical standard."

Mr West became an instructor for the air force and put hundreds of airmen through a rigorous 50-hour training regime before they were prepared for combat.

He then joined the ATA in September 1944 were he was responsible for delivering new aircraft from factories to squadrons and between units in England to ensure they were located at the strategic points were they were most needed.

He flew Fireflies, Barracudas, the American Mustang and the legendary Spitfire, which he said was "one of the easiest to fly".

Mr West added: "If you hadn't flown an aircraft before you would have to read the instructions on the way to the airfield. It was quite scary at the time."