A former St Albans police officer and pub landlord has been recognised for his nuclear test exploits over six decades on.

Geoffrey Smith, 86, who grew up in and around the St Albans area, has been awarded the new "Nuclear test medal" 67 years after the event.

Geoff is seen wearing his new medal, police long service & good conduct medal, and his national service medal.Geoff is seen wearing his new medal, police long service & good conduct medal, and his national service medal. (Image: Ian Smith)Geoffrey attended St Albans Grammar School - now Verulam school - and he joined the RAF 100 Squadron doing his national service. In 1957 he was posted to Maralinga South Australia to witness atomic bomb testing.

"My colleagues and I were instructed to turn their backs at the moment of detonation, we were so close to the explosion that our clothes were blown off and it burnt our skin," he said.

"Unfortunately, most of these service men didn't live long enough to receive the newly granted medal as many of my colleagues died young."

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Geoffrey Smith poses for a picture.Geoffrey Smith poses for a picture. (Image: Ian Smith) After his national service Geoff joined Herts police rising through the ranks later becoming landlord of the Swan pub in Park Street in his retirement.

With his wife Carolyn, he had five children, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren, before moving to Rushden Northamptonshire, where he lives in care.

Geoff was presented with with his medal by the Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire James at Saunders Watson Nursing Home, accompanied by friends and family.