AN OFFICER has been given formal recognition for his dedication to the Air Training Corps.

Adult Warrant Officer David Carr has devoted 30 years service to the 2505 (Bishop Auckland) Squadron and has never missed representing the corps at Remembrance Day services since he joined at the age of 13, in October 1972.

Over the years he has achieved his RAF marksmanship, his silver Duke of Edinburgh Award and spent time at a camp in Gibraltar.

He has risen through the ranks, from corporal in 1975 and flight sergeant in 1977 to his current role as adult warrant officer in charge of drill and discipline in Bishop Auckland, where he has been ranger officer for many years.

AWO Carr has also been awarded the Jubilee Medal for 12 years' continuous service and a pace stick, which is something very few AWOs achieve.

Flight Lieutenant John Stott said: "It does not matter what the squadron are doing he will sacrifice every moment of the day if he can.

"He does everything for the squadron and puts himself last. For the past 30 years he has been the backbone."