A Bishop Auckland sailor has been honoured by the Royal Navy.

The Meritorious Service Medal was awarded to Warrant Officer marine engineering artificer John Pounder, 48, in recognition of more than 27 years of loyal service and good conduct.

The award was presented by Rear Admiral Nick Harris, flag officer Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland.

WO Pounder has worked at the Shiplift at HM Naval Base Clyde for four years.

He lives in Helensburgh, north of Glasgow, with his wife Yvonne, son Lee and daughter Natalie.

As a youngster he was a pupil at Barnard Castle Grammar and Technical School. His father, Ronald, lives in Bishop Auckland.

He joined the Royal Navy in 1973 and has served most of his time in submarines, including the Polaris submarines HMS Renown, Revenge and Resolution.

His career has taken him to ports in the Far East, South Africa, the Mediterranean and the US. As well as long service and good conduct medals, he has also been awarded the MBE and the Jubilee Medal.

Away from work he enjoys hill walking, playing squash and watching Sunderland FC.