FOUR employees at Dartmouth's Britannia Royal Naval College have been awarded Imperial Service Medals at a special reception given in their honour.

The medal is awarded to civil servants who have completed more than 25 years meritorious service and is approved by the Queen.

Commodore Roy Clare, commanding officer at BRNC, presented the medals to the men, who have notched up 142 years of service between them, at the college.

John Palmer is the longest serving with 43 years, Derek Olver has served 42 years and Ted Steele 32 years. All three men come from Dartmouth. Neil Straw, who has served for 25 years, comes from Stoke Fleming.

Congratulating the men, Commodore Clare said: 'This is an outstanding achievement by all four employees and this recognition is well deserved.

'All at the college send them their warmest congratulations.'

The four men are all well-known figures, both within the college and in the local area. John Palmer, employed as a mess steward since 1955, is a member and strong supporter of the Dartmouth branch of the Royal British Legion. He is also a strong supporter of the Diabetic Society and in his leisure time works tirelessly to raise much-needed funds.

After the presentation, Mr Palmer said: 'This was one of the highlights of my 43 years service at BRNC and very fitting as it came in the year of my retirement.'

Derek Olver, a chief steward, is also a member of the local Royal British Legion and organises events for ex-servicemen and their families. He has been co-ordinator of the BRNC poppy appeal for many years.

Mr Olver commented: 'I was very proud to be recognised after 42 years service.'

Ted Steele is the college's head gardener and is responsible for the upkeep of the residence gardens. With his small team he works hard to ensure the grounds are always at their best for big occasions.

In 1997 Ted and his wife, Helen, were presented to the Queen when she came to the college for the Easter term passing out parade.

Mr Steele said: 'I feel very honoured to have been awarded the ISM in recognition of my service.'

Neil Straw, the commander's writer, has, in his time at the college, seen all the members of the immediate Royal family, some more than once.

He was officially presented to the Duke of Edinburgh in 1996.

Outside of the college his main interest is dog breeding. Neil is a successful exhibitor of Scottish terriers with numerous first prizes at Crufts to his credit.

He is a Kennel Club Associate, Breed Council delegate and a much respected championship and international show judge and has officiated in Hollywood, USA, Canada, Sweden and Australia. He has future bookings in Manchester for the Northern Classic in 2000, Holland and New York.

Mr Straw said: 'I was delighted to receive the Imperial Service Medal in recognition of my 25 years loyal service to the MOD.'

Pictured at the college with Cdre Clare are (from left) Neil Straw, Ellen and Ted Steele, John and Violet Palmer and Derek and Mary Olver.