SERVICEMEN from the North-East and North Yorkshire are among those honoured by the Queen today for service in Iraq.

The awards are in recognition of courage and professionalism during Operation Telic, which began when Allied forces swept north across the Kuwaiti border on March 20.

Among the 374 servicemen and women honoured is Trooper Christopher Finney, 19, who receives the George Cross for rescuing an injured colleague following a "friendly fire" attack.

Tpr Finney, from Marple, Greater Manchester, who had been in the Army for less than a year, was recognised for his "clear-headed courage and devotion to his comrades" after the attack by US warplanes.

Region's honours - awarded the MBE are Royal Engineer Mark Budden of Ripon, North Yorkshire; Major Alan Durrant, of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, based at Catterick; and Captain Andrew Forbes, of the Royal Corps of Signals, from Strensall, near York.

Lieutenant Thomas Orde-Powlett of Leyburn, who served with the Irish Guards, is awarded the Military Cross while the Allied Rapid Reaction Corp medal goes to Major Nicola Watson, of Northallerton, who serves with Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps.

Mentioned in Dispatches were Royal Marine Corporal Robert Storey, of Newcastle; Catterick-based Sergeant Stephen Hornsby, of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers; Staff Sergeant David Hurst, of the Queen's Royal Lancers, who also moved to Catterick in July; and Flight Lieutenant Andrew Robins, of York, who serves with the Royal Air Force.

A Queen's Commendation for Valiant Service is awarded to Warrant Officer Class Two Michael Bates, of the Army Air Corps at Dishforth; Royal Engineer Lesli Bell, of Ashington; Captain Sharon Findlay, also of the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps; Captain Thomas Holand, of the Royal Artillery, based near Thirsk; Captain Thomas Hubbard, of Northallerton, who serves with the 9th/12th Lancers; Lieutenant James Pearce of Catterick, who serves with The Duke of Wellington's Regiment; and Flight Sergeant Timothy Cooper, of Northallerton, serving with the RAF.

A Bronze Star Medal is awarded to Territorial Army Captain Jeffrey Gable, of Stockton, who served as adjutant to the General's Corps (Royal Military Police).