A 93-year-old poppy seller who braved the Arctic elements and the danger of submarine attack in World War Two is urging people to donate.

John Brown, of St Alban’s Road, Woodford Green, was selling poppies today (November 3) in the entrance to Sainsbury’s supermarket in South Woodford.

He started serving in the Merchant Navy as an 18-year-old in 1941 and was raising money for the Royal British Legion today.

Approximately 185,000 seamen were in the Merchant Navy, with 30,248 losing their lives during World War Two.

One of the most dangerous jobs Mr Brown was tasked with was protecting the Arctic convoy, ships sending essential supplies to the Soviet Union.

Risks of attack from German submarines, U-Boats, and the freezing elements meant that dangers were plentiful.

Mr Brown said: “I worked in the engine room so it was not so cold down there.

“It was the best job to have but it was the luck of the draw and our boat luckily emerged unscathed.

“I remember when we were docked at a port, the dock next door to ours was hit by a bomb and we all thought that could have been us.

“You think you are invincible when you are young, that’s what youth is all about.

“If I was asked to do the same thing now I would say no thank you.”

He received a medal from the Russian embassy for his service just last year.

The grandfather of four and great-grandfather of two has lived in Woodford Green for 30 years.

The veteran said: “I moved to Woodford Green because it was quite upmarket.

“But it has changed considerably from a village to more like Piccadilly at night time with traffic and congestion.”

Mr Brown called on people to donate to the charity which provides support and advice to veterans and servicemen and women.

He said: “It is important that we veterans look after ourselves and the Royal British Legion do a lot for service personnel.

“It is also good socially for veterans to keep in touch with each other.”

Mr Brown will be selling poppies again in the entrance to the George Lane supermarket on Saturday.