COLD war rivalry between the west and Russia lies behind the failure of successive British governments to grant a campaign medal to those who served on the convoys to Russia during the Second World War, believes one of those who took part.

Roy Dykes, a veteran from Whitchurch, is the chairman of the 1,100 strong Flower Class Corvette Association and says the British government's failure is highlighted by the Russians who continue to honour their war veterans.

"The convoys managed to transport £500 million worth of munitions to Russia, including 21,000 aircraft and 3,599 tanks which enabled the Russians to defeat the Germans on the eastern front," said Mr Dykes.

"After the war ended the British Government was reluctant to acknowledge that in many ways the Russians won the war.

"They are very proud of the fight that they put up and our reluctance to recognise their role added to the cold war."

The decision about which medals would be given to those involved in the Second World War was taken in 1946 - at a time when mistrust of the former Soviet Union was very high.

Now Mr Dykes, who is deputy mayor of Whitchurch, has joined forces with Commander Eddie Grenfell to campaign for a new medal or a clasp to the Atlantic Star.

Mr Dykes believes a new medal should be struck, perhaps called the Arctic Star. The campaigners have been badgering the Government to change the decision taken in the 1940s.

"We have the support of several MPs, including Sir George Young, but we have had difficulty in getting our letters through to the Prime Minister or the Queen," said Mr Dykes.

"The simply get referred to the Ministry of Defence and we are continually going round in circles. We saw the minister who was responsible for veterans affairs, Dr Lewis Mooney, and he was no help whatsoever.

"He said he didn't believe we should have a medal and that he couldn't be disloyal by being critical of an order which assigned the medals which were signed by King George VI just after the war."

Some 60 years on time is running out for the veterans who ran the gauntlet of icy seas, U-boats, aircraft attacks and enemy surface ships in a bid to aid allies.

Last year Mr Dykes' association buried 90 members so he says, the MoD needs to hurry up.

An MoD spokeswoman, said: "There is already a convoy medal which covers the Russian missions. If people didn't realise there was the Atlantic Star, they can apply to their local medals office and they will be told whether they are eligible."

In the meantime Mr Dykes will continue to wear a medal granted to him by the Russians.