A Second World War veteran has been recognised for his services in the Navy.

Eric Thomas, of Belvedere Road, Burnham, joined the Royal Navy aged just 16 and served on board the H.M.S. Sheffield between 1939 and 1945.

He was among those taking supplies to the Soviet Union in the Arctic convoys, braving freezing temperatures and the threat of German U-Boats to do so.

The Arctic Star medal was presented to son Kenneth Thomas on behalf of his father at the Russian Embassy in London as Mr Thomas was unable to make the journey to London.

Mr Thomas, now 91, said: “I feel very proud and very pleased.”