BRITISH veterans who braved Arctic conditions and enemy attacks to carry vital supplies to Russia in the Second World War have been honoured for their bravery.

Forty men who served in the famous Arctic Convoys of 1941 to 1945 received commemorative medals from the Russian Ambassador Grigory Karasin, at his official London residence.

Thousands of British men and women were killed during the crucial convoy missions that kept Russia supplied with tanks and aircraft to enable them to fight the war on the eastern front.

Many people from the North-East and North Yorkshire took part in the dangerous actions.

They included former Barnard Castle district councillor Geoffrey Guyll, who died three years ago. Mr Guyll served on a Royal Navy destroyer.

Paying tribute to the veterans' heroic efforts during the war, the ambassador said: "Today brings together nations and generations so we have to remember all those heroic deeds."

During the presentation, some of the men who served in the treacherous conditions recalled their experiences.

Martin O'Day, 78, from Rochdale, said it was "a real honour" to receive the medal.

He added: "We went through a rough passage during the war but the Russians have never forgotten us.

"We were like brothers, fighting the war. I always had the greatest admiration for the Russian people."