PENSIONER John Gibson has received a medal for supporting the Russian Army during World War Two.

Mr Gibson, who will be 83 next month, lives in Tetton Court, Congleton.

He served as a driver in World War Two as a member of the Royal Army Service Corps.

He served overseas in Persia and Iraq from 1943 to 1944, following by service in the Middle East until 1946.

While serving in the Balkans he was part of a convoy which transported vital supplies of food and ammunition to Russian troops.

That role has been officially acknowledged 60 years on with the award of a commemorative medal from the Russian Federation.

A letter to Mr Gibson from the Russian Embassy in London said the medal was to mark the 60th anniversary of "the victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941 to 1945."

The embassy said the honour was recognition of Mr Gibson's contribution to Russia's fight against fascism during the Arctic convoys.

Mr Gibson served with the Royal Army Service Corps for six years, and was with the Balkans Relief Unit from July to September 1944.

"It took eight days to drive the supplies to the Russians and eight days back," said Mr Gibson.

"We did that six times, and it was dangerous because we were going over mountain passes."

Mr Gibson read about the Russian medals in the national press, and contacted the Russian Embassy and Ministry of Defence.

"I was very pleased to receive the medal," he said.