Captain Tom Moore receives gold Blue Peter badge after raising more than £30 million for NHS

Captain Moore was presented the award by his grandchildren

Captain Tom Moore has been given a gold Blue Peter badge after raising more than £30m for the NHS during the coronavirus crisis.

The army veteran, who served in India and Burma during the Second World War, decided to mark his 100th birthday on 30 April by walking 100 laps of his garden and gaining praise from everyone from the Queen to Anthony Joshua.

On Tuesday, Captain Moore received another accolade, as he was bestowed with Blue Peter’s highest honour, which is reserved for exceptional role models who positively inspire children.

Described by presenter Lindsey Russell as a “beacon of light”, Captain Moore was joined by his grandchildren Benji and Georgia, with Benji awarding his grandfather with the badge for his fundraising efforts for NHS Charities Together.

“That’s absolutely amazing,” Captain Moore said. “I’m very proud to receive that because I’ve always been a great fan of Blue Peter.”

Reminiscing about an old episode of the children’s show, he said: “I remember the elephant, this was quite a few years ago. Thank you very much indeed, I really am delighted to have this.”

Blue Peter is the longest-running kids’ TV show in the world and has been on the air since 1958.

Last week, Captain Tom was promoted to the rank of Honorary Colonel on his birthday for the military’s college for young soldiers, an appointment that was approved by the Queen.