A LAMERTON man has been presented with an elite award in recognition of his enthusiastic behaviour to ensure a bumper pack of parcels reached fighting troops in Afghanistan. Yorkie Malone, a member of Tavistock Royal Marines Association, was awarded the President's Commendation last Thursday in front of a cheering audience of nearly 30 people. In October an appeal was launched by the association to send boxes of goodies to servicemen in Afghanistan in time for Christmas. In total Tavistock RMA sent 778 boxes. RMA president Brigadier Simon Hill presented Yorkie with the award at the association's parade in Tavistock's TA Centre. He said: 'The President's Commendation is awarded to Yorkie Malone who responded to the call for parcels for Afghanistan with the utmost enthusiasm. 'He persuaded local businesses and Tavistock Branch into sending over 750 parcels to 42 Commando Royal Marines on Op Herrick. His personal drive and energy ensured that his initiatives were followed throughout the country. 'This Commendation is in grateful recognition of his unique contribution to the Corps family and his leadership of a magnificent enterprise.' After Yorkie accepted the award, Royal Marine Iain MacDonald, who is on a two week leave from Afghanistan, presented him with a framed picture of Royal Marines from L company in Afghanistan in recognition of Yorkie's hard work. He said: 'The parcels have been gratefully received as we know people back home are thinking of us. On behalf of 42, thank you very much.' Yorkie was nominated for the award by Don Lewis, who said: 'He was deserving of the award because of the effort he put in both nationally and locally. 'He displayed, in my opinion, leadership beyond that normally expected, and for that I had no hesitation in recommending him for this Commendation.' Trish Malone, Yorkie's wife, said: 'We wanted to make sure they all had a parcel as some don't even get a letter while out there. I enjoyed doing it, it was lovely and just an honour to do this for them. 'Yorkie is very much a Royal Marine. He would go to Afghanistan now if he could. It is a fantastic honour. I'm really proud of him.' A chuffed Yorkie said: 'It started with one jar of honey and suddenly it just took off. I couldn't get over the amount of people who gave – it is absolutely wonderful. RMA did great! 'It was a group effort and as far as I'm concerned I was just doing my job. 'I just made the effort of getting hold of people, but it's so nice to see the blokes who are out in Afghanistan appreciate it.' Former Tavistock mayor the late John Philpotts has been the only other member of Tavistock RMA to be presented with a President's Commendation award, which he was given for setting up the branch in 1946.