MONMOUTH Second World War veteran Stan Lane has been awarded the Arctic Star, 70 years after he campaigned on the Arctic Convoys.

Stan, who has celebrated his 91st birthday, has lived in Monmouth for the last 26 years and signed up for the Navy when he was just 18.

He volunteered for the Arctic Convoy, taking part in what Winston Churchill called "the worst journey in the world."

Working as a telegraphist, Stan sailed upon the destroyer HMS Intrepid (pictured below), escorting much-needed supplies to the Soviet Union to support the Eastern Front.

The perilous journey was fraught with dangers, including terrible weather conditions and constant German bombardment that claimed 3,000 lives over the four-year campaign.

Celebrating his 21st birthday upon the ship, Stan remembers the terrible conditions they suffered.

"It was bitterly cold," he said.

"An officer came into our office one day to thaw out his beard which was frozen solid.

"We knew what we were in for as they had lined the bulkheads (hull of the ship) with silver paper."

Before signing up to the Intrepid, Stan had only once been on a boat up the Thames River. He said the first trip to Iceland was one he'll never forget.

"I was virtually unconcsious I was so sea-sick.

"Lying in the hammocks (to sleep), it was so rough that we'd come out of the hammocks then fall back in".

Stan served on the Intrepid until 26th September when, after suffering a blow from a German air raid, the boat capsized and sank, killing 15 crew.

"I remember it was a Sunday as we were out on the stern having church service.

"Half an hour later the stern was blown off."

The Arctic Star medal was announced by the Prime Minister David Cameron at the end of last year.

Its existence comes from a long standing campaign by the public for the recognition of the bravery of these men who served in the Arctic Convoys.

Monmouth MP David Davies was a keen campaigner for the award.

He placed an article in the Monmouthshire Beacon earlier this year urging any locals eligible to come forward and apply.

It is because of this that Stan has recieved the recognition for his bravery and service.

"I'm proud of Mr Davies, it's wonderful to have... I'm proud to have it," said Stan.

Mr Davies was pleased that Stan had finally been recognised.

Shaking Stan's hand the MP said: "People like yourself did so much and it is absolutely right to acknowledge it.

"I very much hope that everyone involved comes forward and is recognised. We've got a lot to be grateful for to your generation."

Stan is one of up to 140,000 veterans or next-of-kin believed to be eligible for the award.