THE bravery and commitment of two Territorial Army (TA) soldiers from Redditch was recognised at an awards ceremony.

Corporal Lee Carroll and Warrant Officer 2nd Class (WO2) Monty Walker, members of the Redditch-based 37 Signal Regiment, were honoured with service recognition awards.

Mr Carroll, 30, was presented with the Operation Telic medal for his service in the Iraq War.

He was deployed to war-torn Basra, in southern Iraq, in July 2003 for six months, where his trade skills as a metalsmith were put to good use. In addition, he was also employed as a close protection driver.

The father-of-one lives in Coventry but travels to the Redditch TA centre in North Moons Moat every week. He has been a member of the TA for more than 10 years.

"I was very excited about being presented with the medal, it was something I worked hard for. I was very glad to have been able to do my part out there," he said.

Mr Walker, from Studley, received the Lord Lieutenant's Certificate from Brigadier Mike Lithgow, commander of 2 Signal Brigade. The award recognised 53-year-old Mr Walker's long TA service of 29 years.

"It was a big honour to be recognised in this way. I have very much enjoyed my time in the TA - it's given me so many opportunities."

Brigadier Lithgow added: "I was very proud to be able to present the awards to our two soldiers, it was a fitting tribute to their service and commitment."

The presentation took place at the TA Centre in Winyates Way on July 12.

For further details on the TA contact Captain Peter O' Gorman on 599315 or www.wm-reserves.co.uk