A war veteran from Deal has finally received the Arctic Convoy medal after waiting 70 years.

John Francis, 94, of The Fairway, Deal, received the medal from the Ministry of Defence just before he was due to attend the 70th anniversary and commemorative ceremony at Liverpool Cathedral on Saturday.

Mr Francis had feared he would have to attend the ceremony without it and was concerned by the delay.

Mr Francis said: “I’ve been promised this medal for ages and ages. They keep saying ‘we’re doing our best’ but they said the medal would be issued four weeks later and that was months ago.”

Mr Francis took part in 16 Arctic Convoy missions to Murmansk in northern Russia in appalling conditions.

Mr Francis said: “The convoy was described as the worst journey in the world and I want this to be recognised. I think it’s about time they just sent the medals. A lot of those people are dead now, and I’m 94.”

Conservative MP for Deal and Dover, Charlie Elphicke, has been part of the Mercury-backed campaign for Mr Francis and other Arctic Convoy veterans to receive their medals. He presented a petition to the MoD last year.

Mr Elphicke said: “It’s absolutely right that our war heroes are celebrated and even though it is several decades late it’s fantastic to see him receive the honour that he so deserves.”

See this week's East Kent Mercury for the full story.