ELEVEN ex-Servicemen and women received a new veterans' lapel badge in a ceremony at Denby Dale Pie Hall.

Wakefield MP Mary Creagh hosted the event, which recognised contributions made by people from all over the district in conflicts from 1939 onwards.

The badge, which the Government has developed with veterans' organisations, is intended to be worn on civillian clothing to help people recognise veterans and the invaluable contribution they made.

The first badges are being given to former service personnel from the First and Second World Wars.

The ceremony was attended by families, councillors and members of the Royal British Legion.

Ms Creagh, whose constituency includes Denby Dale and Kirkburton, said: "It was an honour to present lapel badges to the ex-Servicemen and women from our district who made such sacrifices during the war years and in subsequent conflicts.

"I was very moved by the stories I heard of courage and friendship after all these years. It was also nice to see families and young people there, showing their gratitude to our veterans."

The badge is available to:

* All men and women who served in the UK Forces in the First and Second world wars.

* All those who served as Merchant Navy seamen, in the Home Guard, in Polish Forces under UK command and members of the Cyprus Regiment during the Second World War.

* War widows and widowers who receive a war widows'/widowers' pension.

* Veterans of the Suez Canal Zone 1951-54.

* Those on National Service 1939-45.

Local people receiving the badge were: Mr Dennis Blacker, of Denby Dale, Home Guard 1942-1944; Mr David Willans Brook, of Emley, 1st Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, 1951-1957; Mr Donald Cook, of Wakefield, RAF Bomber Command, 1943-1949.

Mr Ronald William Cox, of Highburton, Royal Army Dental Corps, Middle East Land Forces, 1947-1949; Ms Beryl Firth, of Wakefield, WAAF Scampton, Lincolnshire, and RAF Bomber Command, Pocklington, East Yorkshire.

Mr Bobbie Haigh, of Denby Dale, Royal Navy (Fleet Air Arm), 1942-1946; Mr Kenneth Lodge, of Fenay Bridge, navigator in RAF Mosquitos, 540 Squadron, photo reconnaissance unit, 1941-1946; Mr Reginald Oastler Stone, of Skelmanthorpe, RAF, 1941-1946.

Mrs Joyce Elizabeth Sykes, of Shepley, WAAF, 1948-1950; Mr Donald Sykes, of Shepley, RAF, 1947-1952; and Mr Robert Alexander Wilson, of Denby Dale, 177 Heavy Battery Royal Artillery (TA) Liverpool and Royal Artillery (coastal defence), 1938-1946.

The badge also went to Mrs Vera Walker, of Emley, WRAF, 1942-1946, and Mr George Walker, of Emley, RAF, 19411946, who could not be at the presentation.