ARCTIC Convoy veteran Jim Collins was officially presented with his long-awaited campaign medal on Monday during a special ceremony in Williton to mark national Armed Forces Day.

Mr Collins, who served with the Royal Navy and spent two years escorting merchant shipping carrying vital supplies to the Russian Arctic ports of Archangel and Murmansk, received the honour from Brigadier David Godsal, the president of the Somerset Royal British Legion.

During his war service, Mr Collins was on escort duty in December 1943 during the Battle of North Cape which resulted in the sinking of the German battle cruiser the Scharnhorst.

World War Two veterans who took part in the perilous Arctic crossings to the Soviet Union between 1941 and 1945 had fought a long campaign for their services to be recognised.

The Government finally issued the Arctic Star earlier this year and Mr Collins was joined by fellow West Somerset recipients of the medal, Peter Baker, of Kilve, and Robin Clode, of Dunster, at the ceremony.

While Mr Baker received his medal earlier this year, Mr Clode is still waiting to receive his honour.

Brigadier Godsal led the Armed Forces Day service outside West Somerset Council's main offices in Williton, which was attended by civic dignitaries, legion members, veterans, cadets and members of the public.

Cllr Stuart Dowding, chairman of West Somerset Council, raised a special Armed Forces Day flag outside the office and paid tribute to the men and women who put their lives on the line for their country.

He said: "We want to show the men and women who serve this country that we are proud of what they do and they they are in their thoughts."

Bruce Lang, the council's corporate director, said members of the armed forces did not choose their postings of the causes which they were sent to fight for.

"This makes their loyalty to their country and to us, its people, truly remarkable," Mr Lang said.

He paid tribute to their professional and dedication and said the service was one way of showing the district's gratitude and respect for their commitment and courage.

"Put simply, they are the reason that we can all live peacefully at home," he said.