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'We felt the flash'

Former Acting Corporal Alan Dowson and 10 other veterans have received a Nuclear Test Medal.

The award recognises their exposure to nuclear testing in 1958 whilst in the British Army.

Four thermonuclear weapons were dropped on a Pacific island with about 22,000 British servicemen looking on.

Mr Dowson has campaigned for official recognition of the life-long impact that testing had on servicemen.

Over 60 years later a medal arrived in the post which he described as inappropriate.

To compensate, Mr Dowson organised a ceremony in Peterborough for 11 veterans and their families to say thank you.

The MoD has been asked to comment.

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4 minutes