TRIBUTES been paid to a man who was awarded the George Cross after he saved the life of a farmer when he was just 13 years old.

Henry Flintoff, from Pickering, died on June 5, aged 89, following a number of health problems.

Brought up in Farndale, Henry was the second eldest and only boy in a family of eight.

In June 1944, Henry was helping on a farm when a bull turned on a farmer working in a neighbouring field. Henry ran to his aid and managed to get hold of the animal and together he and the farmer managed to grasp the ring in the bull’s nose. The bull eventually broke loose, but was caught and led to its shed by a farm labourer who came to assist.

A citation from the London Gazette of December 8, 1944, which reported on Henry relieving his award, said: “By his courageous action this boy saved the farmer from more serious injury and from possible death.”

One of his sisters, Heather Myers, said the family had been unaware of the incident until the following day when members of the press arrived at their home.

“Apparently a local vicar had contacted them about what Henry had done and it went from there,” she said.

Margaret said Henry was invited to London to receive his award, travelling to the city with his eldest sister.

“It was quite an occasion as none of us had been to London before,” she said.

“Henry continued to attend a gathering of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association every two years. He would take a member of the family in turn so we have all been down over the years and met members of the Royal family. Henry was very proud of his award.”

The George Cross is the second highest award of the UK honours system awarded “for acts of the greatest heroism or for most conspicuous courage in circumstance of extreme danger”.

A spokesperson for the VC and GC Association said: “Henry had, for many years, been a much-loved member of the association and his cheerfulness and kindness lifted the spirits of all who knew him. He brought joy to all who met him and was unfailingly appreciative not only of others small kindnesses to him but of life itself.

“Family were important to Henry above all else and his beloved sisters and their children and grandchildren always looked out for him. Our thoughts and love go out to all his sisters and wider family who loved him deeply and our gratitude to those who cared for him at the end.”