Second World War veteran Syd Thompson is being recognised for his courage on the infamous Arctic convoys – this time by the Russian President Vladimir Putin.

At the age of 95 years the Dartmouth postman and former Royal Navy able seaman has been invited to a special ceremony in Exeter where he will be handed Russia's Ushakov medal which is presented for bravery and courage.

Mr Thompson was recognised by the British Government for his part in the gruelling convoys runs, taking vital war supplies across the Arctic Ocean to Russia, last year when he was presented with the then newly awarded Arctic Star medal by Prince Andrew at a passing out parade at Britannia Royal Naval College.

He has been invited by the Russian Embassy to take part in the presentations of the Russian medal at County Hall in Exeter next Friday, when around 60 Arctic veterans and their relatives are expected to attend.

The Russian Govern­ment has awarded the Ushakov medal for bravery and courage to Second World War veterans from across the world.

The governments of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA have granted permission to the veterans of the Arctic convoys to be awarded the medal, but it was not until last year that the British Government gave the go ahead for UK veterans to receive the medal.

In May and June 2013, the first British Arctic Star medal and Bomber Command clasp were presented to veterans.

Some 3,000 servicemen died taking part in the Arctic convoys while braving air and submarine attack as well as appalling sub-zero weather conditions. Wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill is reported to have described them as the 'worst journey in the world'.

Mr Thompson joined the Royal Navy in 1936 and served on ships in the Atlantic and Mediterranean as well as the Arctic.

He earned the Distinguished Service Medal on Atlantic convoy duty in 1944 – the same year he took part in the convoy runs to the Murmansk area.

Mr Thompson was 93 years old when he jumped out of an aircraft at 15,000 feet two years ago to raise money for Dartmouth Hospital League of Friends.