AN airman has been recognised for his “outstanding” contribution to his service – by one of the oldest merchant guilds in the country.

Corporal James Targar, 33, from Carlton Miniott near Thirsk, serves as a communications technician at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, where he has been personally responsible for saving thousands of pounds as well as improving IT.

And he has now been honoured by the York Company of Merchant Adventurers and awarded a specially engraved tankard at a ceremony in the guild’s 655 year-old-hall in York.

As well as his efforts on his base, Cpl Targar helped with security at the 2012 Olympics, played a key role in raising cash for charity and was a volunteer photographer with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

The guild’s “Tankard” awards were inaugurated in the 1980s to honour the sailors of HMS York but were later expanded to take in all three services.

Guild governor Dr Alan Suggett said: “Cpl Targar has demonstrated a service above and beyond what is expected of him and is a very deserving recipient of the tankard.”

He added: “We look forward to continuing our close links with the regular, reserve and cadet units of the armed forces, which do so much to contribute to our communities and protect our way of life.”