Sergeant Tim Oxtoby and Corporal Jonathan Shutt received the Volunteer Reserve Service Medal (VRSM), at a ceremony at Worsley Barracks Territorial Army Centre, York.

Sgt Oxtoby, 35, of Scarborough, received his medal for ten years continuous and exemplary service with the TA.

He joined in 1998 as a vehicle mechanic for the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and was recently promoted to take charge of the Light Aid Detachment in York.

Sgt Oxtoby, whose full-time job is commercial bus and coaches mechanic with Plaxton’s in Scarborough, said: “I’m delighted to have been recognised for the work I have carried out for the team over the years. I’m looking forward to the next ten years in the TA.”

Cpl Shutt, 32, of Malton, joined the TA in 1999 and served in Iraq in 2003, and was also rewarded for ten years continuous and exemplary service.

Cpl Shutt, who works as a prison officer, said: “I’m sure it will sink in later, but I am proud to have served my country for the last ten years, especially on operations and during all those training excercises.”

Craftswoman Tracy Bartley, 33, of Filey also received a certificate marking her successful completion of her trade training as a Vehicle Mechanic Junior in the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

She recently joined the TA and has already completed her training and attended a major armoured exercise in Canada.

She said: “I joined the TA so that I could achieve my long-standing dream of being a mechanic.”

“Having the usual debts and responsibilities of life meant I couldn’t afford to return to university, but with the TA it was possible to do so much more.”

Deputy Honorary Colonel James Fenwick presented the awards on behalf of 4th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, and congratulated the troops.

He said: “What you have achieved is an example to your friends, family and fellow soldiers but most importantly to the public you have volunteered to protect and for that you are to be congratulated.”