TWO military instructors from Darlington have received prestigious awards for their volunteer work mentoring young people.

Army reservist Damian Jakstins and Rachel Mason of the Air Training Corps were awarded Lord Lieutenant’s Certificates for Meritorious Service in a special ceremony in Middlesbrough this week.

Lord Lieutenant’s Certificates are given to members of the volunteer forces for “service that deserves high praise and commendation”.

Staff sergeant Jakstins joined the army in 1978 and was recognised for his work in the army band and as a music tutor.

He said: “This is the pinnacle of my army reserve career.

“It means an awful lot to me to be recognised for the service I have given to the band and to other people.

“When I joined in 1978 I never thought I would still be going in 2016.”

Flight lieutenant Mason joined the air corps in 2001 and is currently the commander of Darlington’s 405 Squadron.

She said: “I was really surprised to be nominated. I’ve just done what I signed up to do.

“None of it has felt like hard work. It’s really fun when you’re doing it and there is great friendship within the air cadets.”

The awards were presented by the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Barry Dodd CBE, who said he was “amazingly impressed” by their achievements.

He said: “Hearing what they have achieved gives you the feeling that there are some really good people around.”

At least seven years of volunteer service are needed before someone can be nominated for the award.