The story of the Arctic Convoys will be told at a new exhibition opening 28 May at the National War Museum in Edinburgh.

Using never before seen images, first-hand testimony and personal objects, the exhibition will reveal the bravery shown and the hardships endured by the servicemen who repeatedly undertook the challenging and dangerous naval journeys during World War II.

Elaine Edwards, senior curator at National Museums Scotland said: "Artic Convoys tells the story of the British and Allied sailors who endured one of the most dangerous sea-faring campaigns of WWII.

"Through photographs, letters, interviews and personal possessions, the exhibition reveals the demanding reality of life as an artic convoy sailor and how two nations found friendship in adversity."

The Arctic Convoys sailed from Britain from August 1941 until May 1945, delivering urgently needed supplies to the Soviet Union including tanks, vehicles, weapons and raw materials.

Their route took them through incredibly harsh environmental conditions in dense fog and turbulent seas, with freezing temperatures causing ice to form on the ships to the extent that it could cause vessels to capsize if it were not removed immediately.

More than 100 of the 811 merchant ships used during the convoys were lost with the cost of 3,000 lives.

Surviving veterans of the xonvoys are being honoured this year by the government with the presentation of the new Arctic Star medal.