A BUILDING company has been singled out for praise by a government minister after one of its key employees was called up to fight in Iraq.

Lance Corporal Andy Kettlestring, from the Queen's Own Yeomanry, works for WM Birch and Sons, a fourth generation family firm of building contractors in York.

He was called up to serve in Iraq, in September, and is currently with the 1st Battalion Light Infantry Battle Group.

The company was thanked by Under Secretary of State for Defence, Ivor Caplin, when he attended a special reception at the Merchant Adventurer's Hall, in York.

The event was organised by the Yorkshire and Humber Reserve Forces and Cadets Association to say a big thank you to the many large and small employers who had or still have employees mobilised for service.

"I am delighted to have this opportunity to personally thank some of the many employers of the reservists who have served our country so magnificently during recent operations," said Mr Caplin

"We really do take the position of employers in the MoD/reservist/employer relationship very seriously.

"We understand how difficult the loss of a key employee can be and really do appreciate the support that employers provide."