WORLD War Two veteran Peter Baker has finally received his hard-earned war service medal, some 70 years after the event.

It follows a lengthy campaign to honour the survivors of the Arctic convoys, young men who braved some of toughest conditions of the war to transport vital supplies through German blockades to the Soviet Union between 1941 and 1945.

The long-awaited Arctic Star finally arrived at Mr Baker's Kilve home at the end of last week.

Both he and Dunster veteran Robin Clode are among an estimated 200 survivors from the convoys who are still alive.

Mr Baker told the Free Press: "It's marvellous to finally receive the medal.

"It's been a long time coming, 70 odd years, but it's absolutely marvellous."

Prime Minister David Cameron announced last December that a specific and dedicated medal would be awarded to the survivors of the Arctic convoys.

Its design was approved in February this year.

Mr Baker said he had had no idea when his medal would arrive and Friday's delivery had come as a pleasant surprise.

Veterans of the convoys risked their lives in sub-zero temperatures to keep supplies flowing to the Soviet ports of Murmansk and Archangel.

The journeys were described by former Prime Minister Winston Churchill as the worst in the world.

The Government's decision to issue the Arctic Star followed a review of military decorations carried out by former diplomat Sir John Holmes.

It had previously said the conflict was too long ago to issue its own award.

The change of heart came after it had blocked a move preventing UK veterans from accepting a medal from the Russian Federation as a symbol of the country's gratitude for the bravery shown by the Arctic convoy sailors.

Photo: Steve Guscott