A 92-YEAR-OLD Pontllanfraith man was presented with a prestigious Arctic Star medal earlier this month in recognition of his services to the armed forces in Arctic convoys.

Jim Winfield received the award due to the part he played in convoys to North Russia during World War II. Lord Don Touhig presented his medal earlier this month in front of his three children, their partners, some of his grandchildren, and friends and staff from his care home.

He said: “It was a proud day and made me feel good.”

Mr Winfield, a resident at Castle View Residential Home, served in the Royal Navy between 1939 and 1945. on a number of different ships including HMS Belfast and HMS Javelin. He left the navy after World War II, but was re-called and served in the Korean War.

“I didn’t expect to win the medal but when I found out I was very excited,” said

The Arctic Star medal is presented to former Armed Services personnel who served in the Arctic Circle during World War II, particularly to those who delivered supplies to Russia during the war.

The sea men delivered ships which carried crucial supplies, including 13,000 tanks, 22,000 aircraft and 417,000 motor vehicles.

The men also covered a 2,000 mile run across the North and Barents Seas, one of the deadliest convoy routes during the war.

Cllr Robin Woodyatt, Cabinet Member for Social Services, said: “This presentation of the Arctic Star medal is a wonderfully fitting tribute to Mr Winfield and other veterans who carried out such crucial work in extreme conditions during World War II.

“On behalf of everyone at Caerphilly County Borough Council I would like to send my warmest wishes to Mr Jim Winfield and his family.”