Two Second World War veterans were presented with medals marking their service protecting aid convoys to Russia.

Jim Baynes and Ken Watson visited the Russian embassy in London to receive the medals from ambassador Alexander Vladimirovich Yakovenko.

During the war, Royal Navy vessels protected supply ships in convoys to the Russian ports of Murmansk and Archangelsk.

Mr Baynes, 91, of Raeburn Avenue, said: "He made a very nice speech and presented it personally to everyone. There were 30 of us. They were very hospitable and very kind - we had a very nice day.

"I can't emphasise too much the hospitality and the great relationship which emanated at the embassy. It really is a wonderful gesture on their part."

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Mr Baynes joined the Arctic convoys, aboard frigate HMS Anguilla, not long before the war ended.

He added: "I had just come back from being in the Mediterranean for two-and-a-half years. I came back when my ship was sunk."

After recuperating from burns suffered when his previous ship, the corvette HMS Erica, struck a mine heading towards Alexandria, Mr Baynes was shipped off to the Russian convoys - "hot and cold", he said.

Mr Watson, 88, of Princes Avenue, said: "I'm so proud that we were presented with it. Everyone who got them, and I've been in contact with one or two chaps I know, they're all overwhelmed with the medal."

Mr Watson served aboard escort carrier HMS Vindex, a converted merchant vessel.

He was "P-1 pom-pom", manning a gun on the port side of the ship.

He said: "You were scanning 180 degrees on one side of the ship, seeing if there's any U-boats coming up that could blow the convoy up.

"One time we were the flagship of the convoy - we had a vice-admiral on board.

"It was very interesting, especially at night when you saw the Northern Lights.

"You never thought too much of it at the time because you were so young. To think they spend thousands of pounds nowadays to see the Northern Lights."