THE Russian Embassy has honoured two Second World War veterans for the part they played in a crucial maritime campaign dubbed the 'the worst journey in the world'.

Glynn Tegfan Jones, 104, of High Legh, and Malcolm Clerc, 89, who lives off King Street, have been awarded the Ushakov Medal for personal bravery and courage displayed during their service in the treacherous Arctic convoys.

The Foreign Office initially blocked the bravery medal presentation as its rules stated British soldiers could not receive a foreign medal if the act happened more than five years ago.

Following pressure from campaigners, the Foreign Office lifted the ban and allowed an ‘exception to the rules’.

The Third Secretary of the Russian Embassy, Pavel Kozlov, travelled to the veterans homes to present them with their medals on December 7.

Great-grandfather Glynn, who joined the convoys aged 32, said: “The atmosphere was so friendly – it was like a family gathering. I was so pleased that he came; Pavel was so nice and natural.

“The Russians are very appreciative of everything we have done.”

Malcolm, who entered the navy aged 15, joined the convoys at 17 and remained with the navy until the age of 30.

The great-grandfather was invited back to Russia a decade ago and he said he was blown away by the Russians’ gratitude.

“The Russian people have always been very close to seafarers – when we went back to see the old friends the hospitality was unbelievable,” he said.

“The Ushakov is a beautiful medal and I am very pleased to get it.”

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

Under constant threat of attack by German U-boats and aircraft, the Arctic convoys also had to deal with severe cold, storms, and ice floes and thousands of allied seamen lost their lives.

The then Prime Minister Winston Churchill described the convoys’ undertaking as ‘the world journey in the world.’

Tatton MP George Osborne said: “I was delighted to contact the Russian Embassy to secure Ushakov medals for several veterans in my constituency; both of our countries owe these veterans an enormous debt of gratitude for their service during the war and it is great to be able together to bring this about.

"I also had the honour of presenting Glynn Tegfan Jones with his Arctic Star last year and know first-hand how much this recognition means to him and his comrades.

"If any veterans or their families require assistance with securing their medals then I am happy to assist."