War hero's victory

More than 5,000 people are being recognised for their part in the war's horrendous Arctic campaign, where men sailed through sub-zero conditions under constant attack to keep the Soviet Union in the war.

Percy Price, of south Lancing, was among five veterans and one veteran's widow presented with an Arctic Star badge at a ceremony in Portsmouth on Thursday.

Percy, 87, said: "It was a very, very good day. They looked after us and we were on television. Lots of news people were there. It was beautiful, a nice day."

Percy served as a petty officer on HMS Pozarica during an Arctic convoy, in 1942, during which many Allied ships were lost.

Presenting the badges, Portsmouth naval base commander Commodore David Steel said: "It is a real honour for me to be able to present you with this award and to thank you very much for what you did for this country. You are the epitom of the Royal Navy and armed forces in its past, present and future."

The Russian government had previously awarded veterans three medals each, to commemorate the 40th, 50th and 60th anniversaries.

The Arctic Emblem, which clips on to sailors' existing medals, was offered to veterans as a compromise, after they were told the British government would not be awarding them medals.

Percy said: "Two hundred of us went up to Downing Street two years ago or so. We were told they couldn't afford medals. We were told we could have a badge, yet the Merchant Navy sailors haven't got any medals to put it on, which is all wrong."

He added: "The Russians have given us three medals. Our government has given us none. The badge is nice but for what we did I don't think it is enough. We deserve medals."