A DREGHORN war veteran was presented with a prestigious medal of honour at his hospital bedside this week.

Tom Rennie was presented with the Ushakov medal by Andrey Pritsepov, the Consul General of the Russian Federation on Wednesday while he was in Crosshouse Hospital recovering from a stroke.

Official ceremonies have recently been held in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Aberdeen to present other veterans of the Arctic convoys with these medals.

However, as the 90-year-old was unable to attend, the Consul General and other delegates from the Russian Federation in Edinburgh travelled to University Hospital Crosshouse to honour the war hero in person.

The special medal marks Tom’s outstanding courage and bravery during his time as a gunner on HMS Undaunted during the Second World War.

The ship and crew were part of the Arctic convoys which provided Russia with vital supplies.

Tom’s family and friends and staff from Ward 5A were delighted to see the impressive military decoration being presented.

Tracy Caldwell, Deputy Charge Nurse, said: “It was lovely for the staff who have been involved in Mr Rennie’s care to be able to be a part of this very special day. He is a wonderful man and we are extremely proud to have seen his bravery being honoured in this way.”