BOLTON'S Euro MP Gary Titley has been awarded the Austrian equivalent of a knighthood.

The Greater Manchester West Labour MEP was presented with the Austrian Gold Cross in recognition of his work helping Austria to join the European Union.

He received the cross, one of Austria's most prestigious decorations, during a ceremony at the country's London embassy. It is Mr Titley's second major award in less than 12 months. Last year Finland made him a Commander of the White Rose for his contribution to the successful Finnish bid for EU membership.

Mr Titley, who lives in Ladybridge, Bolton, was accompanied to the Austrian embassy by his wife, Charo, and children, Adam and Samantha. Speaking after the ceremony, he said he was overjoyed to have been granted the award. "It was a very moving occasion and I was absolutely delighted that my family could be with me for it," he said.

"Like the honour I received from Finland a few months ago, this reflects very well indeed on my constituency," he added.

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