A WAR veteran has hit out at the Government, accusing it of providing insufficient benefits for ex-servicemen.

George Topping, 84, from Adlington, served in France during the Second World War for the Royal Artillery as a driver and radio operator and was present during the D-Day landings.

He said: "The money we receive from the Government and from our war pension is not good enough.

"I only get £104 per week and I can't even afford to buy a pint with that kind of money, I don't how kids manage to pay £2 each time for a beer."

George fired off his tirade after reading in the Citizen about plans to give the Queen's Lancashire Regiment the freedom of the borough of Chorley.

He said: "I thought when the Labour government came to power we would receive a fairer deal, but unfortunately not. Considering that we fought and nearly died for our country - I had a few near misses - we just don't get the recognition that we deserve.

"All I'm asking is that we get that a bit more money and I know that my fellow comrades feel the same way."

Mr Topping has lived in Adlington all his life and had six brothers who served during the war, four of whom are still alive. He also has a son and daughter, and six grandchildren, and he is a member of the Chorley and District Ex-Servicemen's and Women's Association.

Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle said: "It took a Labour government to ensure that Japanese prisoners of war were compensated after the failure of numerous governments in compensating those people who survived at the evil hands of the Japanese.

"I will always campaign for veterans to have a better deal and ensure we recognise that those people who put their lives at risk reap the benefits."

He added: "I'm amazed Mr Topping has never been to see me about veterans and I look forward to meeting him.