A LARGS war veteran who became of a hero of the Arctic Convoys has died.

Murray Haddow passed away aged 95 after after losing his battle with cancer.

He took part in six convoys on board the Destroyer HMS Caprice and was one of 35 Royal Navy veterans to be presented with the Ushakov Medal by the Consul General of the Russian Federation in 2014 for his efforts defending the Soviet state.

Murray, who lived in Kelvin Walk, described the horrors of the convoys to the News after being conscripted to the Navy immediately after leaving school in 1943.

He said: "HMS Caprice was one of the escort vessels and we were under constantly threat from U-boats and from the air. The convoys were one of the very few ways that supplies could be delivered to Russia as most of the other lines were blocked, so the ships we were escorting carried planes, tanks and armament and essential war supplies.

"Winston Churchill described the journey as 'the worst on earth' and he wasn't far wrong. When I think of it now, it was unbelievable, but at the time, I was 18 and it was just something we had to do."

The UK government eventually recognised the contribution of those who were part of the Arctic convoys in recent years and awarded the 'Arctic Star Medal' to Murray and others who took part.

Murray married Jean Haddow (nee Wilson) and they moved to Largs in 1971 with their sons Graham and Wilson.

Jean's extended family have lived in Largs for a long time and she was sister to Jimmy Wilson (Kelburn Golf Course) whose wife Nancy (Kelburn and Largs Bowling Club) and their children Allan, Lynn, David and Lesley all still live in the town and are known to many.

Murray played golf at Routenburn, was a popular face at Largs Bowling Club and was a founder member of Largs Probus Club and Opportunities in Retirement.

He was a former president of Largs Bowling Club and an honorary president in more recent years.

Sadly Jean died in 1988 but Murray found another Largs Jean, Jean Caldwell, and they married in 1991.

He had many happy years with his two Jeans but when they had both passed away he moved to Monifieth in Angus to be nearer his family.

After his service, Murray pursued a career in social work, helping children and families through his caring nature.

As a younger man he excelled at sport and once held a Scottish record for scoring 46 points in a single game of rugby.

He learned to swim and overcame a fear of flying in his 60s and learned to use a computer at 80.

With two sons, five grandchildren and six great grandchildren Murray's name lives on in his special great grandson, 'wee' Murray Haddow, pictured with the war hero here.