A DECORATED war hero from Tadcaster who was originally denied a place at the unveiling of a war memorial is preparing to travel to London to attend the ceremony later this week.

The Press revealed earlier this month how former rear gunner Freddie Johnson, 91, who holds the Distinguished Flying Cross, had been refused a ticket to the ceremony in Green Park, at which the Queen will reveal a £6.5 million sculpture constructed in honour of those who served with RAF Bomber Command during the Second World War.

The story was greeted by international outrage and prompted the intervention of Mr Johnson’s MP, Nigel Adams.

It was then arranged for Mr Johnson and his wife, Jean, to go to London, with all travel and accommodation arranged for them.

Mrs Johnson said they would be travelling down to the capital tomorrow, where they would be given a night’s accommodation, courtesy of The Sun newspaper, which followed up the story in The Press, before going to the ceremony on Thursday.

“We’re really looking forward to it,” she said. “It’s really taken off.”