Two BAE Systems’ (www.baesystems.com) apprentices presented D-Day veteran Eric Strange with a miniature handmade cannon and a framed photo as a ‘thank-you for your service’.

They met Eric on the eve of his sailing into Portsmouth to attend the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

Krzysztov Bes and Charlie Cross, BAE Systems craft apprentices at Portsmouth Naval Base, took a week to make the miniature cannon.

Mr Cross said: “It was a pleasure to be involved in a project like this. Eric is an inspiration for all our generation. We owe him — and all those that served in the wars — so much.”

On receiving the gifts, Eric said: “I feel a little emotional, actually. The handcrafted decking reminds me of the deck I used to run on when I was a rating.”

Cal Leonard, human resources director for BAE Systems’ Maritime Services business, said: “It has been a humbling experience meeting Eric — and a real honour.

“It was wonderful to see him talking to our apprentices, especially as he was an apprentice before he joined the Royal Navy.”