AN ARMY veteran who was mugged by yobs who took his regimental beret and medals while on his way to a Remembrance Sunday service has been presented with replacements by a soldier from Catterick Garrison.

George Gill had his beret and badge cap, along with two medals awarded for serving in Northern Ireland and Cyprus, taken but thanks to the kindness of a Coldstream Guard Sergeant from the North Yorkshire garrison the smile has been put back on his face.

Mr Gill, 69, was an infantryman with the Duke of Wellington's Regiment for 18 years and made repeat tours of duty in Northern Ireland during the height of the Troubles in the early 1970s.

He was stationed at Catterick Garrison from 1970 to 1971, and again in the 1980s, but now lives in Keighley, West Yorkshire, where he was targeted in Lund Park on November 11.

Reports of the attack were seen by Regimental Tailoring Sergeant Martin Mitchell, from the Coldstream Guards, who wanted to restore Mr Gill’s faith in humanity by giving back what he had lost.

Sgt Mitchell said: “I saw the story after it was shared on Facebook and it made me sick.

“I wanted to let him know that he would be looked after by the Army.

“I trawled the internet for replica medals – which involved some fierce eBay bidding – and got him another beret, which took a bit of work because his regiment has disbanded.

“Presenting him with the cap badge and medals was emotional – seeing his face was all the thanks I needed.”

Mr Gill, who attended a ceremony and lunch in the garrison today (Wednesday, December 10), said: “It was very moving to be presented with the medals. It is nice that people have been so concerned and it was absolutely smashing to receive them. It’s something I can pass down to my nephew.

"I’m delighted about getting the replacement United Nations and Northern Ireland medals although I don’t have my blazer anymore.

“I didn’t want a reminder of what happened so I took of the embroidered badge and sewed it onto another jacket.

“I ripped up the blazer and threw it away.”

Mr Gill received an outpouring of support from across the country – including from Prime Minister David Cameron and former footballer Ryan Giggs, who is assistant manager at Mr Gill’s favourite team Manchester United.

He added: “It means a lot that so many people around the country have cared.”

"Once you're in the Army, you always stick together whatever happens and this has proved it to me.”