A SECOND World War code-breaker has spoken of her delight after being honoured for her service.
Joan Sandford, 87, of Darlington, was part of the team of intelligence experts credited with shortening the war by two years.
Mrs Sandford was called up when she was 20 to work at the wartime communications centre at Bletchley Park, near Milton Keynes, where she was tasked with sending and receiving confidential messages in Morse code.
Earlier this year, the Government decided to honour up to 5,000 people who worked in secret conditions at Bletchley Park during the war.
Two weeks ago, Mrs Sandford, who lives in Fairweather Court, off Larchfield Street, received the medal in recognition of her work.
“I was very pleased and surprised when it came,”
said Mrs Sandford, who moved to Darlington in 2001 to be closer to her family.
“I can still do Morse code, but probably not as quick as I used to.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here