A ROYAL Navy serviceman brought up in Kidderminster has played a part in evacuating hundreds of civilians from war-torn Lebanon.

Richard Downes, a leading weapon engineer on board HMS Gloucester, is one of the 250-strong crew who assisted in the evacuation of around 700 Britons as the Middle East crisis worsened.

Meanwhile, back in Stourport, his proud parents, Dennis and Christine Downes, anxiously awaited news of his safe return as Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters continued to carry out cross-border attacks.

The Royal Navy vessel was the first to arrive in the Beirut port and carry 180 people to safety in Limassol, Cyprus, on Tuesday last week.

After the evacuees disembarked, the crew restocked with water, food and fuel before returning to Beirut to collect a further 513 people fleeing the conflict.

Richard, a married father of two, provided assistance during the evacuation by guiding and hosting 30 evacuees, including several young children and one pregnant woman.

He said: "During their time on board I had to make sure the evacuees were made comfortable and that they were supplied with food and also hot and cold drinks.

"I had to keep their morale up, as many people had lost personal belongings during the conflict. I also listened to what people had been through, trying to comfort them by letting them know everything was going to be all right.

"As you can imagine, this was tiring but the ship's company and myself had to keep going until we landed the evacuees at Limassol."

Back in England, his parents, together with wife, Alex and sons, Jake and Owen, look forward to Richard's return to the UK.

Richard's parents, currently in Portsmouth, originally planned their trip to coincide with the return of HMS Gloucester but that has since been delayed.

Dennis said: "We have mixed feelings about it all. Of course, we are very proud of Richard but not just of him but of the whole ship's company. We're concerned more than worried but we've been kept up to date with what's going on through the news and the MoD, which is a great comfort."

Richard, a former pupil of King Charles I High School in Kidderminster, worked at Titan Steel Wheels in Cookley before joining the Royal Navy in 1992. He underwent intense training in Plymouth before he was sent on his first mission to Bosnia.

He has since played his part in Sierra Leone and Haiti before embarking the first 180 people in Beirut, as identified by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as being of high priority.

Dennis added: "He's such a loyal and caring person and thrives on helping other people. They even gave up their bunks to let the evacuees sleep and that sums him up. He's such a selfless person and will do anything for anyone."

Mrs Downes added: "We're just so proud of him but are obviously looking forward to his return. It's always worrying but we catch glimpses of him on television and he rings us every couple of weeks to let us know he's okay."

Richard, who is still on board HMS Gloucester, was keen to send a heartfelt message to his family back home.

Via the Shuttle/Times & News, he said: "To my darling wife Alex. Just to let you know I am all right and missing you loads. Hope Jake and Owen are behaving themselves. If not let them know that dad will be home soon and don't forget to keep that car clean."

In a message to his parents he added :"Miles away from home and I can still speak to you. Your peace and quiet will soon be over as my family will soon be around to mess your house up."

His wife, Alex in Portsmouth, said: "Obviously, me and the boys are missing him and it's a real shame his return has been delayed but we're looking forward to Dickie's return, hopefully next week."