A SURVIVOR of wartime Arctic convoys has vowed to return a veteran's badge in protest over the Government's refusal to award British seamen medals for their efforts.

Jimmy Taylor, of Grove Hill, Middlesbrough, said he plans to hand back the badge awarded by the Ministry of Defence after Tony Blair announced veterans would be awarded a special Arctic Emblem.

It falls short of the medal British seamen who took part in the wartime convoys have been campaigning for.

Mr Taylor, 83, a lifetime member of the Russian Convoy Club, said he was extremely disappointed at the Government's decision.

He said: "We are really disgusted. They were very dangerous operations and I think people should be honoured with a medal.

"I am in the throes of giving back my veteran's badge, which was given to me by the Ministry of Defence, as a protest against what they have done."

The veterans have long complained that the Arctic campaign was the only one of the Second World War not to have its own medal.

The convoys of merchant ships were escorted by the Royal Navy through U-boat infested waters in severe weather conditions to take crucial supplies to Russia. They also faced German air attacks.

Nearly 3,000 British sailors and merchant seamen lost their lives during attacks by U-boats and bombers.

A campaign to honour the seamen with medals has been supported by 428 MPs.

Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon signed a petition in support of the campaign after hearing many ships' crews were recruited in the town.

He said: "The work these men carried out was not only crucial to the war effort, but extremely dangerous.

"I am very disappointed by this decision and I will be seeking a full explanation as to its justification."

The Prime Minister said the emblem could be worn as an addition to medals.