The tables have been turned on an Army press officer who now finds himself in the media spotlight.

Tim Zillessen, who has worked at Catterick Garrison for six years, has become the first civilian in the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to be awarded a medal for helping restore peace and security during the conflict in East Timor in 1999.

Mr Zillessen has received an International Force East Timor medal to mark the three months he spent in the former Indonesian state.

As part of a UK deployment called Operation Langar, Mr Zillessen, travelled to East Timor, which was seeking independence under the auspices of the United Nations Mission in East Timor. On September 27, Timor-Leste, as it is now known, became the 191st member state of the United Nations.

Since joining the MoD six years ago Mr Zillessen has completed three operational tours in Kosovo, where he was the civilian media advisor for the Nato Commander during the September 11 crisis.

He said: "As a civilian one feels privileged to support the British Army in times of turmoil around the globe. If my advice in the operational theatres helped to make the troops' life a little easier then it was all worthwhile. I will wear the medal with pride and honour.

"I have many marvellous memories of working alongside the Gurkhas and to know the UK forces were a leading light in achieving independence for East Timor is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life."