A WAR veteran from Rockwell Green has criticised the protocol that bans him from wearing a service medal at official functions.

Last week, Trevor Morgan, 62, was proud to be presented with the Pingat Jasa Malaysia medal by the National Malaya and Borneo Veterans Association at a ceremony in Weymouth.

The medal is to thank the servicemen who helped Malaya during the Malayan Emergency of 1948-57 and the Indonesian Confrontation of 1962-66.

But honours protocol means Mr Morgan, who was a Royal Navy radar operator on HMS Albion in the latter conflict, is not allowed to wear the medal at official functions, including Remembrance Sunday.

The Ministry of Defence says a British version of the medal is available instead.

Mr Morgan, who spent five years in the Navy, said: "Since the conflict, the country has had economic prosperity. They have been drinking the pure water from the well - and now they want to thank the people who helped dig the well.

"The biggest insult is to the people of Malaysia who are saying a sincere thank you to the British forces who helped them in their hour of need."

An MoD spokesman said: "It's a decision by the independent Honours and Decorations Committee.

"Veterans are allowed to accept this medal as a gesture of thanks but are not permitted to wear it as they are already eligible for a British General Service Medal for the same period of service.

"Policy also says you're not allowed to wear foreign medals on your chest - it's for British medals."

Tell us what you think of the rule - you can have your say below this story by filling in the Comment form or by joining our forums.