RUSSIA has honoured a Knutsford man for missions he carried out during the Second World War.

Malcolm Clerc, 88, has received the Russian Convoy Medal to thank him for his bravery in helping deliver food and ammunition to the Russians when they were under intense pressure from German forces.

“When I am out selling poppies this year I shall wear this medal with great pride,” he said on Friday.

Russia had wanted to present the medal to Malcolm and other surviving members of the convoys for years, but successive British governments have prevented it, saying it broke rules on foreign decorations.

However, the coalition government has relented, and the silver medal has finally been presented to Malcolm and his former comrades.

Malcolm, who lives off King Street, said he had been touched by the reaction of people to his honour, including many at Cheshire Health Club in Great Warford.

“One chap who was only in his 20s shook my hand and said he was proud to have met me,” said Malcolm.

“I didn’t know him, but he was going to Afghanistan the next week.”

The Arctic convoys sailed from the UK to Archangel and Murmansk between 1941 and 1945, delivering vital supplies to the Soviet Union.

Malcolm said their route was known as ‘Death Alley’ due to the icy conditions and threats from German air strikes and submarines.

“At the time we didn’t feel it was different to any other theatre of war, but there was danger on all sides,” he said.

Seven years ago the Russians invited Malcolm and others to visit. He met many people, who were happy to show their gratitude to him.

One pilot waived the fees for his flight, while diners bought him champagne in restaurants.

When he visited a school he ate with the pupils who wanted to know his story and had used their pocket money to buy him a bottle of vodka.

“The Russian people couldn’t do enough for us,” said Malcolm.