Oscar-winning actress Olivia de Havilland, whose memorable performance in Gone With The Wind still touches hearts 70 years later, was awarded the Legion of Honour by the President of France.

At 94, Ms de Havilland looked radiant as Nicolas Sarkozy pinned on the insignia of the chevalier, or knight, of the Legion of Honour at the presidential palace.

Mr Sarkozy told Ms de Havilland that “you honour France for having chosen us”. The American actress of British origin has lived in Paris since 1953.

Ms de Havilland played the role of fragile southern belle Melanie Wilkes in Gone With The Wind and is the last surviving major star of the 1939 classic. Her performance in another movie, To Each His Own in 1946, gave her a first Oscar.