A royal Navy Chef from North Devon has been commended for distinguished service.

Leading Chef Gavin Brown was recognised for his role in managing food supplies on board HMS Brocklesby during its posting off Libya last year.

He was the senior member of the catering team on board the minesweeper which was diverted to Libya from a routine NATO deployment in the Mediterranean.

The ship’s crew carried out live mine clearance operations to keep the besieged port of Misrata open.

Without the opportunity to re-supply, LChef Brown managed the ship’s catering stores to sustain the crew during an extended period at sea, operating within the range of enemy artillery. In recognition of his efforts he was awarded a commendation for distinguished service by the Chief of Joint Operations.

LChef Brown said: “I wasn’t expecting this commendation as I was just doing my job.

“I had a good team to back me up and I feel this recognition is as much for them as it is for me.”

The commendation also recognises his contribution to the ship’s morale as he organised a raffle and a barbecue for the crew and their families to celebrate their return to Portsmouth.

The 28-year-old, who is a former pupil of South Molton Community College, joined the Royal Navy in September 2000. So far he has served on five Royal Navy warships and ashore in Portsmouth.

He holds medals for operations off Iraq and Operation Veritas, the British contribution to the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.