THE MEMBER of the Senedd (MS) for Delyn says she was 'humbled' to meet a National Service veteran living in Flintshire recently.

Last month, on May 16, marked 60 years since the end of the National Service.

The Royal British Legion (RBL) invited National Service veterans to participate in 'Remembering National Service - 60 years on’.

That was a commemorative event held at the National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordshire, part of the RBL group of charities, to acknowledge the service and sacrifices of this generation.

One of the attendees on the day was 87-year-old Ray Harrington, who now lives in Flint Mountain.

Mr Harrington served in the Royal Marines, and like many other men from the time, has many stories to tell of his two years in the National Service.

Delyn MS Hannah Blythyn recently met with Mr Harrington and described the experience as ‘both humbling and heart-warming’.

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Ray welcomed his local MS into his home to talk about his period of National Service and the years that followed.

That was after the politician reached out on the back of the special memorial service to mark 60 years since the end of National Service.

Hannah Blythyn MS said: “It was a real privilege to be welcomed into Ray’s home and have the opportunity to chat to him about his National Service in the Royal Marines and how he continued to serve in the Royal Marines Reserves for a further 37 years."

Mr Harrington remains impressively active in the local community through local judo clubs and is still in contact with his fellow veterans.

Ms Blythyn added: "In my role, I meet many people but it was both humbling and heart-warming to spend some time with Ray and hear his many memories.”

During the meeting with the MS, Mr Harrington recalled being in the right place at the right time, allowing him to take the Special Boat Service (SBS) course.

Of an original 40 people taking part, only seven passed the course – with Mr Harrington being one of them.

During his National Service, alongside a partner, he also took part in the 140-mile Devizes to Westminster Bridge canoe race. The pair took 131 hours and won.

After his National Service, Mr Harrington was a parachute instructor in the reserves and retired as a Major.

The Royal British Legion is proud to have recognised a unique generation of ordinary men called to serve their country. For more information on support that the RBL provide, please visit: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/