IT MAY have taken almost seven decades but Leslie Davies’ Arctic Convoy Star is richly deserved.

Now aged 92, Mr Davies served on Merchant Navy vessels en - trusted with the perilous task of transporting crucial supplies to Russia and Scandinavia between 1939 and 1945.

What makes this award even more satisfying is that the critical role performed by the Merchant Navy has been somewhat over - looked by subsequent generations.

Mr Davies’ long-overdue medal can also be seen as recognition of his brave shipmates who did not come home.

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CARMARTHENSHIRE county council has said the number of dog fouling fines issued by their officers has increased by 97 per cent. The number of litter fines has also increased by 58 per cent, from 182 in 2011/12 to 287 in 2012/13.

While the council should be congratulated for tackling this twin scourge, but questions also arise: Has the number of dogs increased along with the number of fast food outlets? Past genera - tions may have lacked material possessions, yet seemingly took greater pride in their areas. It used to be common to see people brushing the street outside their own doorsteps – might the decline of this custom also be a factor in these startling statistics?