PRIME Minister Tony Blair has presented medals to Territorial Army soldiers in recognition of their service in Iraq.

Mr Blair attended a private ceremony at the Aycliffe Armoury, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, home of the 102 Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (Reme).

Sixty-five volunteer soldiers who have served in the Gulf in the past 18 months attended the parade.

The Prime Minister awarded each of the soldiers, from across the North-East, with the Iraq Campaign Medal.

The battalion then presented a framed set of badges to Mr Blair, who made a speech to the soldiers.

Major Eric Ingram, the battalion's permanent staff administration officer, said: "Mr Blair said that wherever he went in the world and met with world leaders, the British Army were always held in extremely high regard.

"He paid tribute to the soldiers, bearing in mind that they are volunteers, for going out and doing a spell for their country, and thanked their families and employers for supporting them so well."

Maj Ingram said the Prime Minister was happy to talk to the soldiers, as well as pose for photographs and sign autographs.

He said: "The feedback we have had from the soldiers has been tremendous. They were absolutely delighted that he had made the effort to come."