We have just returned to England after spending a two-week holiday at The Intercontinental Hotel in St George’s Bay. While we were there a member of staff told us about the 50th Independence Day celebrations which were taking place in Valletta on the Saturday.

We went there by taxi and the driver dropped us at Triq Ibjar and said it would be a good place to watch the fireworks.

The place was crowded but we found a good spot at the wall. Standing next to us were a local man and his family. He started to tell us all about what was going to happen and offered us drinks – such a nice friendly person. His name was Tony.

Towards the end of the fireworks display my sister-in-law didn’t feel too well and went to sit down at a small bar. Tony came over to see her, bringing some ice, and was quite worried. He telephoned for our taxi to collect us, telling the driver exactly where to pick us up, and waved the cab to the kerb.

Our family would like to say a special word of thanks to Tony and all the friendly people we met on that special evening. We will return to Malta at our earliest opportunity.

Now we know how you won the George Cross.