A MAN wearing one of the country's highest honours for gallantry has caused a stir among military veterans in Cheshire and further afield.

The association representing all living holders the UK’s highest awards for gallantry was keen to trace a man who attended the services of Remembrance and to mark the centenary of the end of World War One at Chester Cathedral.

The man, who gave his name as 63-year-old David Stocks to photographers and dignitaries at the November 11 service, was wearing the George Cross medal - but the Victoria Cross and George Cross (VCGC) Association say categorically that he is not one of the 19 living recipients.

A VCGC Association spokesman said: “Sadly, this individual felt the need to imply, by the wearing of the medal along with others that spanned over forty years of supposed service to the Nation, that he had been awarded the George Cross.

"For the removal of any doubt, he has not.

"The Association is not in a position to comment on the veracity of his other medals.”

The association were notified by veterans who has seen the man at the services on Remembrance Sunday.

Many ex-servicemen were amazed by the display of medals worn by the man, with some saying, if they were genuine, he deserved a pat on the back from everyone and the best seat in the house at the service.

And when challenged by a national newspaper at his home in Barnsley, the man reportedly said everything he told people in Chester was true.

Peter Walsh, a veteran of 1st Battalion The 22nd Cheshire Regiment now known as 1 Mercian, was one of those to call the validity of the medals, particularly the George Cross, into question.

Mr Walsh said: “I noticed upon looking at the images of the Remembrance service at Chester Cathedral an image of what seemed like a very highly decorated veteran of the Special Air Service (SAS), instantly that makes me want to know more.

“The George Cross is the highest award possible for bravery not in the face of the enemy and is equal to that of the Victoria Cross for bravery in the face of the enemy. Our regiment equally, as do other regiments, hold Victoria Cross and many other gallantry awards with extreme pride and also sadness.

“This person did not earn the George Cross confirmed firmly by the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association.”

UPDATE - The Victoria Cross and George Cross Association said they put the message out when supposed veterans are not genuine, but it was up to others, such as the police, to take matters further if appropriate.

UPDATE - A Cheshire Police spokesman said the force had not received any reports of incidents or complaints during the Remembrance services in Chester on Sunday, November 11.