The Prime Minister is to present the first of two newly created medals to Second World War veterans today.

David Cameron will present the Arctic Star Medal and the Bomber Command Clasp to those who served during the war.

He will also visit HMS Belfast with three Arctic Convoy veterans.

The new medals were announced by Mr Cameron in December, 67 years after the war.

The move followed recommendations of a review of military decorations by former diplomat Sir John Holmes and a campaign fronted by Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage.

More than 3,000 seamen died over four years from 1941 on missions to keep open supply lines to Soviet ports, travelling what Winston Churchill dubbed the ''worst journey in the world''.

Until the announcement last year, a long-running campaign had been rejected on grounds of protocol.

In his review, Sir John also concluded that Bomber Command veterans were treated ''inconsistently'' in comparison with their Fighter Command counterparts.

On his advice, Mr Cameron announced the award of a new clasp for the ''heroic'' veterans of RAF Bomber Command.

Up to 250,000 veterans and families of those who have since died could be eligible to receive the new awards, with priority given to applications from veterans and widows.

But campaigners said scores of Arctic Convoy veterans died waiting for recognition.