A SECOND World War veteran from Worcester, who has played a key role in promoting the Merchant Navy, has received an award for his services.

Dickie Valentine, of Kenwood Road, Tolladine, was presented with a small item of nautical equipment by the Royal British Legion to mark his achievements.

He has created numerous memorials to help remember fallen comrades, including one in the Worcestershire village of North Piddle.

And as one of the founder members of the Midland Branch of the Merchant Navy Association, helped to create a memorial to the Midlands seafarers at St Paul's Churchyard in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter.

Dickie also created a memorial in the Cathedral at Valetta in Malta for those involved in the Malta Convoys.

Derek Bristow, chairman of the Cambridgeshire Merchant Navy Association said Mr Valentine had shown great determination in making sure the sacrifice and suffering endured by the Merchant Navy was not forgotten.

"Dickie has been a stalwart supporter of the Royal British Legion, the George Cross Island Association and the Midlands Branch of the Merchant Navy Association," he said.

"But his reputation for seeking recognition for seafarers is known far beyond the county. He has always had a quiet, unassuming determination to do his duty regardless."

Mr Valentine, who was an Able Seaman in the Merchant Navy, for seven years, took troops, food and prisoners of war across the world.

He saw action in Malta, North Africa, Sicily, Anzio in Italy and the south of France and even survived a torpedo attack during the Battle of the Bulge in 1944.

"We were a non-combatant force but lost more men and women during the Second World War than all the other services put together," said Mr Valentine.

"I hope I have played my own small part in upholding their memory."

Mr Valentine is also known for his role as president of the Royal British Legion, Claines branch and in helping to create an official Merchant Navy Day, in which a naval ensign is flown every September 3 at the Guildhall.