A SAILOR who played a key role in successful minehunting operations in the Gulf has been awarded an MBE.

Lieutenant commander Andy Brown, 41, of Appleton Thorn, has been recognised for outstanding service during eight months on board HMS Chiddingfold.

He served on board Chiddingfold – a Portsmouth-based minehunter – between December 2014 and July 2015 while it was operating in Bahrain.

The former Bridgewater High School pupil picked up the MBE for playing a pivotal role in keeping the ship maintained for all eventualities.

The dad-of-one, who has a five-year-old son Theo, who has served in the Navy for 16 years, said: “I am absolutely delighted to be recognised in such a way and receive an MBE. I could not be more proud. 

“Although a personal award, all that I have achieved has been enabled through the unwavering support of my family and the professionalism and dedication of the officers and ratings of the Royal Navy, most recently on board HMS Chiddingfold during a challenging Gulf deployment.”