A FORMER Okehampton man has been awarded the sought after Meritorious Service Medal for his outstanding contribution to the Royal Navy.

Nicholas Laughton, who now lives in Cambridge, collected the award last November, which highlights his exceptional record of achievement and service to the Fleet Air Arm.

Mr Laughton gave 30 years' service while serving as a warrant officer first class air engineering technician at RAF Wyton in Cambridge.

Last May he attended a service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in the presence of the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke of York, to commemorate the centenary of naval aviation.

In July he attended a Royal garden party, which was held to mark the Fleet Air Arm's centenary.

During his naval career, Mr Laughton gained a BSc (Hons) in IT through the Open University.

His exceptional IT skills were fully utilised to provide invaluable management assistance and on numerous occasions he was able to apply them to resolve complex technical problems.

Mr Laughton is now working as a senior airworthiness surveyor with Aviation Compliance.