ENGRAVER Vince Ayris has been overwhelmed by receiving an award from The Mercian Regiment praising his efforts commemorating servicemen killed in action.

Since 2009, Vince, who runs a shop in Havelock Street, has given his time to support the Armed Forces.When a serviceman dies, the army gives their families a 30mm cross to honour them.

Other soldiers returning from service are given a shell case.

Vince personalises them with specific details about the soldiers. He was presented with a certificate from Lieutenant Colonel Philip Temminck on Thursday morning.

Vince said: “Words fail me, it is a real honour and a privilege to receive this award.

“A few years ago a friend in Afghanistan asked me if I’d do one as a favour and I’ve carried on from there. I’m proud to oblige as these people have paid the ultimate sacrifice.”

When a soldier’s body is repatriated their family is presented with the personalised cross while their commanding officer will give them the shell when they return from service. The shell is used by soldiers at a commemoration service at Camp Bastion, the British Military base in Afghanistan, before it is sent to Britain.

Philip said: “If these items weren’t engraved there would be no identity or sentiment to the actions. It is worth noting the time and expertise which Vince puts in.

“We make sure we work around families as much as possible with repatriations and their funeral arrangements so time is of the essence getting the cross ready.”