A Penygroes serviceman's family has been given a medal honouring his plight as a 'guinea pig' during atom bomb tests.

Marian Thomas of Castell y Rhingyll, Penygroes, gratefully received the medal on behalf of her late husband, Noel Thomas.

The serviceman had been one of a number of men used as guinea pigs during atom bomb tests in Australia during the 1950s.

South Wales Guardian: Noel Thomas had told his wife when the atom bomb went off, he could 'see the bones of his hand'Noel Thomas had told his wife when the atom bomb went off, he could 'see the bones of his hand' (Image: Office of Jonathan Edwards MP)

It was a bittersweet moment as Mr Thomas passed away from cancer a number of years ago, never having the opportunity to see the recognition for his trials.

Mrs Thomas said: "My husband said that they were lined up, wearing only shorts, close to the test site.

"They were told to cover their eyes with their hands.

"My husband said that when the atom bomb exploded he could see the bones of his hand.

"I am grateful to all that have pursued this matter for many years, and I am glad to receive the medal on behalf of my late husband at last."

South Wales Guardian: The medal was presented to Marian Thomas, Noel's widowThe medal was presented to Marian Thomas, Noel's widow (Image: Office of Jonathan Edwards MP)

Jonathan Edwards MP, who notably supported campaign group LABRATS International, visited Mrs Thomas to witness the moment.

He said: "It was a pleasure to visit Mrs Thomas and to have sight of the Nuclear Test Medal of her late husband.

"It was clear to see that this was very important to her.

"I would like to thank campaigners for their tireless work on this issue and I know that the campaign for justice continues.

"I will continue to support in my parliamentary work in any way possible."

South Wales Guardian: Jonathan Edwards had campaigned for those involved in the atom bomb tests to be awarded medalsJonathan Edwards had campaigned for those involved in the atom bomb tests to be awarded medals (Image: Office of Jonathan Edwards MP)

The Founder of LABRATS CIC, Alan Owen, said that more than 4,000 such medals are being awarded globally, most posthumously.

He said: "This is the first step towards full recognition and an apology from the UK Government.

"We thank Jonathan for his support over many years of our campaigning, his support has been invaluable to us in obtaining the medal."