A ROYAL naval officer from Heswall has been honoured for more than 30 years of loyal service.

Chief Petty Officer, Peter White, 48, was awarded the Bar to his Long Service and Good Conduct (LSGC) Medal, in recognition of excellent service and conduct.

Now employed as principal warfare officer underwater warfare course manager in the warfare training Group, HMS Collingwood, Fareham, Peter was presented with his award by Commander Richard Goldstone, officer commanding the Warfare Training Group.

Peter joined the Royal Navy in October 1989, during his long and varied career he has served on many naval warships including HMS Broadsword, Battleaxe, Brilliant and Cumberland.

He cites his time served on HMS Montrose as the most rewarding as he spent more than eight years as both a Petty Officer and Chief Petty Officer heading the Underwater Warfare Department as well as the CBRNDC department which led to a commanding officer's commendation.

Originally from Heswall, where he lives with fiancée Emer and their children Hannah, Amber, Heather, Scarlett, Hayden and Lana, Peter is an ex-pupil of Pensby Secondary School.

Adding this award to his other medals including those for Iraq and the former Yugolsavia, Peter said of this momentous occasion: "After joining in 1989 my aspiration at that time was to climb the ladder of promotion as quickly as possible for both my own self-gratification but also the benefits that my family would gain.

"After 30 years of service I still enjoy not only the professional job but also the camaraderie that the everyday life brings.

"My career has only been achieved with very understanding children and fiancé."

In his free-time Peter enjoys playing golf and DIY.

Lieutenant Command Mike Waters, Officer in Charge of the principal warfare officer training element, said: "Peter has been rightfully recognised for a long and exemplary period of service in the Royal Navy.

"He is an excellent Underwater Specialist and Senior NCO, and his current employment in training the next generation of warfare officers, reflects the high regard that the service has for his experience of operations around the globe and his professional ability."