A veteran who took part in one of the most hard fought battles on the Second World War received a heroes treatment from one clothes shop to prepare him for his 100th birthday and MBE ceremony.

Wilf Oldham, 99, who lives in Radcliffe, fought in the battle of Arnhem, one of the bloodiest battles of WW2 as part of the 1st Battalion, The Border Regiment., and is only one of a few soldiers left from the battle.

The battle was fought as part of Operation Market Garden, which is depicted in the film A Bridge too Far.

Wilf is due to celebrate his 100th birthday, and also receive an MBE, on August 28, with a ceremony at a Fusiliers barracks off Bury and Bolton Road.

His long time friend, and member of Bolton's Parachute Regimental Association, Kevin Orton, from Tonge Moor, who visits Wilf regularly decided to take him to Slaters on Deansgate for a suit for his celebration.

Mr Orton rang ahead to let them know who and what the suit fitting was for and was blown away by the service they received.

After trying on a blazer the manager of the store told them that it was on the house as a recognition for everything Wilf has done.

They then decided to buy trousers and a shirt whilst at the store for Wilf, only to be told again by the management that they would cover it for Wilf.

Kevin said: "It absolutely broke me seeing Wilf so happy with them doing that, I was overwhelmed.

"He was telling the staff his war stories the whole time and they were just in awe of him.. He's an absolute diamond. It's a pleasure just to be with him after all he went through."

Wilf didn't go back to Arnhem for 45 years due to the guilt he felt, but Kevin described how he always has stories to tell and a great sense of humour for his age.

"He's still sharp as a razor and very quick witted. He always says about how it was him who broke the four minute mile record running from the Germans in Arnhem and not Roger Bannister."

With the Bolton PRA not able to raise funds in normal ways due to coronavirus, a Just Giving page was set up to help fund his celebration, which has reached over £3,000.

Kevin said: "He's not just a veteran he's a really genuine bloke."

Mark Howard, store manager at Slaters in Bolton, said: "It's a small way for us to say a big thank you to Wilfred for his service.

"He is such a great character and it was a pleasure to be with him.

"For someone his age and with his experiences he was still quick witted and great to talk to.

"The lights are on and burning bright for him."