A REGIMENT based in North Yorkshire yesterday became the first in the British Army to be presented with the Wilkinson Sword of Peace for the second time.

The honour is bestowed on units from each of the armed forces judged to have forged the most valuable links with communities, either at home or around the globe.

The Kings Own Royal Border Regiment, stationed at Catterick Garrison, was first presented with the award after a tour of duty in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, in 1992.

Yesterday, Wilkinson Sword's chairman of marketing, Robert Hadley, was at Bourlon Barracks to hand the prestigious trophy to the unit for the second time.

This year, it was in recognition of the soldiers' role in Macedonia during the Kosovo conflict.

The troops were first deployed to Petrovec in December 1998, where they were to defend airfields once the bombing of Serbia began.

But, with Nato forces not always welcome, projects were launched to present a more positive image of the British forces. They included the refurbishment of a specialist institute for homeless and disabled children, new playgrounds in Skopje, and practical help for thousands of refugees who, otherwise, would have had nowhere to shelter, few clothes and nothing to eat.

Families, friends and civic dignitaries were invited to yesterday's parade where the citation, which was read out, praised the soldiers' achievements.

They were told: "All these projects contributed to boosting stability in a highly uncertain environment and provided a standard of living otherwise unachievable in this war-torn environment. The regiment is awarded the Sword of Peace for an outstanding contribution in the field of humanitarian operations and local relations in Macedonia.'