A NEWPORT veteran has been awarded with a medal of bravery for his tremendous efforts during the Second World War.

Charles Higgs, 92, of Malpas, Newport, received The Medal of Ushakov earlier this year - nearly 70 years after he braved horrific conditions and constant danger in service of his country.

A veteran of the perilous Second World War Arctic Convoys - dubbed the “most dangerous journey in the world” by Winston Churchill - Mr Higgs served upon HMS West as a seaman, supplying Russian troops during the conflict.

The Medal of Ushakov is awarded to citizens of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland for outstanding courage and bravery during the war effort.

Remembering his gruelling experiences, between1942 and1946, Mr Higgs spoke of the time he narrowly avoided death after his boat hit a mine.

“On D-day bombs were dropped near us, but thankfully missed us. But one day, our boat hit a mine and exploded in half. I was talking to my friend at the time and we were just feet away from it all. We were both thrown into the water but my friend was killed.”

“During the convoy we battled rough seas, ship and plane attacks," Mr Higgs added.

"The wind was so cold, if you touched the wires or ropes on the boat, your skin would be ripped right off.

“I was so scared during the convoy, but I feel very honoured to have been given this medal.”

Before receiving The Medal of Ushakov, Mr Higgs was given the Arctic Star.

Until last year, Foreign and Commonwealth Office rules stated that British veterans could not receive a foreign medal if the act they honoured happened more than five years ago. However after years of protests, the British government reversed the decision, awarding Arctic Star medals to convoy veterans before they were allowed to receive the Ushakov medal.

Mr Higgs' grandson, Jamie, went to accept the medal on his behalf at the Russian Embassy this September. He said: “I am very proud of my granddad, especially as this is such a prestigious medal and I believe there are only around 200 people alive to have been awarded it.”