AS teenagers fighting for their lives in one of the most gruelling campaigns in wartime history, weevils and biscuits hard enough to break teeth formed the staple diet of David Tonge and Bill Jerstice.

But thankfully the spread on offer was altogether much more appealing when the two veterans were finally honoured at a civic ceremony.

The Bolton News has followed the stories of the two heroes, both aged 87, who served in the Arctic convoy campaign during the Second World War.

Veterans’ groups have fought for decades for a dedicated medal to be given to those who took part in the campaign, which saw convoys brave U-Boat attacks and sub-zero temperatures to take vital supplies to the Soviet Union.

Earlier this year David Cameron confirmed they would get their wish and the Arctic Star was created. Veterans had to apply for the medal and Mr Tonge and Mr Jerstice received theirs through the post.

But The Bolton News felt that the pair deserved something more special and contacted Bolton Council and the mayor’s office, who arranged a special civic reception at the Town Hall.

It was attended by the veterans’ friends and family, their MPs David Crausby and Julie Hilling who helped with the campaign, and Bolton Council chiefs. Mr Jerstice — who served on the frigate HMS Cook — said: “The Russians used to give us flour but it’d have weevils in.”

Mr Tonge added: “You’d just eat them anyway, they were baked into the bread and you couldn’t be bothered picking them out.

“You could break your teeth on ship’s biscuits.”

Mr Jerstice added: “I’m proud the family are here.

“There were a lot of people who didn’t made it, Churchill called it a suicide run.”

Mr Tonge, who served aboard the destroyer HMS Venus, said: “We made it at last. I’m pleased people know what we went through.

“I get embarrassed sometimes, people in the street say ‘that’s him out of paper’!”

Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Colin Shaw, presented them with their medals.

He said: “I was very proud.

“We all owe a lot to men like this.”