A war hero says he is “proud” after receiving a medal for his role in the Second World War.

Denis Graystone, 91, who lives in Moss Hall Grove, West Finchley, received the honour for his service on the Arctic convoys at the Russian embassy last Thursday.

Russian Ambassador Alexander Yakovenko presented the Ushakov medals to Mr Graystone and 46 other veterans in recognition of their crucial role in helping deliver supplies to the Soviet Union.

Mr Graystone, who worked as a radar operator in the Navy, said: “We had to go right through the Arctic Circle. It was very dangerous, because we passed Norway, which was occupied by the Nazis. You felt fear, as we lost ships every time we went out.

“They were horrendous times. Even the films don’t show you what it was really like. The crew had to chip the ice off the guns before you could use them. If you put your hand on the metal, it froze.”

Speaking about last week’s ceremony, Mr Graystone, who has lived in Finchley for 30 years, said: “I feel very proud to get my medal. It’s nice to be recognised finally. It was a very good day, the embassy was brilliant. I had a few vodkas to celebrate, then came home and had a nap.”

Mr Graystone volunteered for the navy in 1941, shortly after he turned 18, and sailed round the world, including South Africa.

He added: “Just after I turned 19, the ship I was on sank, after we hit a mine just off the coast of South Africa. When we pulled away from the ship, there were 32 of us in the raft or hanging on. When we were picked up 12 hours later, there were 15 of us left.”

After the war finished in 1945, Mr Graystone joined the Metropolitan Police, where he worked for 30 years in the East End.

He then became a cab driver for 28 years, and retired shortly before he turned 80.

Mr Graystone has three daughters, Sandra, Pamela and Lynne – who live in South Africa, New Zealand and Finchley, respectively. His wife Isobel passed away seven years ago.

He has received several other medals, including one for his role in the Normandy D-Day landings in 1944.

Mr Graystone added: “I have got enough medals now to last me a lifetime.”