MEMBERS of the military reserves and cadets have been recognised for their service at a ceremony hosted by Hampshire’s Lord Lieutenant.

The annual awards ceremony, which was held at the Guildhall in Winchester, saw more than 20 people handed a prestigious honour, including Reserve Petty Officer Katherine Pink.

After collecting her ‘Meritorious Service Award’, awarded as a form of public recognition to those not included in the Queen’s honours list, Ms Pink said: “It’s an amazing honour, I was shocked.

“I have been a reserve for 18 years and I never expected something like this.”

Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards are presented to members of the reserve forces and cadet organisations of the British armed forces each year and the honours are recognised throughout the Ministry of Defence.

During this year’s ceremony, Hampshire’s Lord Lieutenant, Nigel Atkinson Esq, presented 13 Meritorious Service Certificates, six Cadet of the Year Awards, a Cadet Forces Medal and The Fuller, Smith and Turner Best Reservist Award.

Dr Julian Lewis, chairman of the defence committee and MP for New Forest East, attended the ceremony and said: “This has been a magnificent evening.

“It has been hugely impressive and it reminds the people that are attending the ceremony just how proud they should be of the people that take part in these awards. Especially the Reserves who put themselves in harms warm to serve their country.

“We should all be very proud of them.”