TIMES photographer James Bird has been named as one of four gold recipients of The Ten Tors Award 2012.

James has been covering the event for the newspaper since 1986 — rain or shine!

A former Tavistock policeman and now a Dartmoor guide and author of 'Ten Tors — The Dartmoor Challenge' is also another gold recipient — Tavistock resident Simon Dell.

The awards are to be given by the Army, who organise the popular, annual Ten Tors event to those who have made a significant contribution to Ten Tors over a qualifying period of time.

Peter Challis, a spokesperson for organisers, said: 'They are open to team managers, group leaders or volunteer supporters and must be verified and supported by the head of establishment of the recipient.'

A bronze is awarded for ten years, silver 15 and gold 20.

A special ceremony on the Saturday at the event was arranged to present the winners with their awards.

Recipients: Gold (Simon Dell 1980-2011, 32 years; Peter Wilkins 1979-2012, 29; James Bird 1986-2012, 25; Nigel Matthews 1992-2012, 20). Silver (Mark Skinner 1994-2012, 18; Mike Neville 1997-2012, 15; Sarah Albertyn 1998-2012, 15). Bronze (Tony Strickland, 1999-2012, 14; Neil Abbott, 2001-2012, 11; Carole Standing, 2002-2012, 10; Stephen Coote, 2002-2012, 10; Partick Littleboy, 2003-2012, 10.