A WORKER at Taunton's UK Hydrographic Office has been awarded a medal by the QUeen for helping keep mariners safe at sea.

Pete Cridland received the Imperial Service Medal to mark 32 years work service at the Admiralty Way premises.

He was presented the medal by UKHO chief executive Rear Admiral Tim Lowe at a ceremony attended by his family.

Mr Cridland undertook a range of roles during his time at the UKHO, including dispatch, chart picking and a position as notice to mariners desk supervisor.

In that role, he played a critical part in ensuring mariners received essential updates to help them navigate safely around the world, vital to the safety of life at sea.

Mr Cridland also mentored and trained many people across the organisation, who have moved on to make good careers for themselves both within and outside the UKHO.

Reflecting on his time there, he said: “I have worked with many great people across the business in my 32 years at the UKHO and always felt proud of being part of a professional team, delivering some of our most important services to our customers.

“I am honoured and privileged to be awarded the Imperial Service Medal, which will serve as a lasting memory of my time at the UKHO.”