A navy reservist has been praised for his outstanding loyalty and commitment to the reserve forces.

Able Seaman David Fitzpatrick was presented with the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate for Meritorious Service on Tuesday, September 30.

The 56-year-old, who is a British Rail Station assistant from Maidstone, has served with HMS President and Medway for 23 years.

He started his career as a seaman and was a regular member of the ship’s company on the River Class Minesweepers that were operated by the Royal Navy Reserves during his first ten years of service.

In January 2003, AB Fitzpatrick moved into logistics and was sent to Bahrain to work as a logistics able seaman in the Second Gulf War for six months.

For the past 12 years has been appeared in the ceremonial guard at least four times per year.

AB Fitzpatrick said: “It is a great honour to be nominated and to be rewarded for the work I do.”

The award was presented by The Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, Viscount De L’Isle MBE, at the Ashford International Hotel.