YORK'S Company of Merchant Adventurers has give special recognition to local cadets and armed forces' outstanding contribution to their services and communities.

Seven cadets and service personnel from across the region were handed specially engraved tankards at a private ceremony in The Merchant Adventurers’ historic hall in Fossgate.

The awards, now in their 16th year, were originally inaugurated in the 1980s to honour the sailors of HMS York but later expanded to honour all three services and cadet forces.

Among the recipients this year were two cadets, one from Acomb Army Cadet Force, Corporal Charlotte Lowther, 17, from Acomb, who was described as an 'outstanding and conscientious cadet', who set an excellent example for cadets and adults alike.

The other was a cadet from 110 (City of York) Air Training Corps, Leading Cadet Maya Holdsworth, 17, from Clifton, who constantly demonstrated an 'eagerness to learn and determination to succeed,' and was currently working towards her Gold Duke of Edinburgh award.

Among the adult recipients were two from RAF Linton-on-Ouse, near Easingwold: a chef known as ‘Jack Horner’ - real name Corporal Craig Horner - 39, from Middlesbrough, alongside Communications Technician Corporal James Targar, 33, from Carlton Miniott, Thirsk, who had single-handedly saved thousands of pounds at the RAF station while at the same time improving IT.

Dr Alan Suggett, the Governor of the Company of Merchant Adventurers, said the award winners had demonstrated a service above and beyond what was expected of them and were very deserving recipients of the Tankard.

" We look forward to continuing our close links with the regular, reserve and cadet units of the armed forces, which do so much to contribute to our communities and protect our way of life.”

Guests and recipients were also given a tour of the hall, the construction of which began in 1357.