Lincoln war veteran George Pearson, 104, receives medal on birthday

A war veteran has been surprised with a very special gift on his 104th birthday.

George Pearson, from Lincoln, was awarded an Arctic Star medal after his family recently discovered that he never received the accolade.

It was handed to Mr Pearson by Cdr Les Smith of the Royal Navy, on behalf of the King, acknowledging the vital role he played during World War Two.

Mr Pearson served on HMS Illustrious and maintained aircraft during the conflict.

Cdr Smith said: "The Arctic Star is all about the Arctic convoys and the ability of resupplying, in those days, Russia and to support them and enable us to defeat the oppressor.

"We found out just a few weeks ago that he hadn't received one of those medals, that medallic recognition of all of that service he did - so it was an absolute honour today to present that to him."

Video by Simon Spark, edited by Jonathon Read

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