THE heroes of the Arctic Convoy missions have finally been awarded medals from the Government for their bravery during the Second World War.

Following a 16-year campaign, the veterans travelled to Downing Street today where the Prime Minister, David Cameron, was due to present the Arctic Star and Bomber Command Clasp to 65 veterans, at around 11am.

Roy Dykes, from Lynch Hill Park, Whitchurch, was among those due to accept his medal, having waited nearly 70 years for the formal recognition.

The 93-year-old served on the Arctic Convoy missions between 1941 and 1945, when they delivered vital supplies to the Soviet Union. The former Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy told The Gazette before receiving the medal: “At last this Government recognises that campaign for how important it was.”

More than 3,000 British sailors died on the convoys, described by war-time Prime Minister Winston Churchill as “the worst journey in the world.”

Mr Cameron made a decision in December to award the medal following an independent review into the rules governing the award of military medals.