Awards honour rescue crew bravery

The crew of HMS Gannett rescued 347 people in 2008

Eight members of a Scots-based Royal Navy search and rescue unit have been honoured for "outstanding bravery" in the line of duty.

The seven men and woman are part of the 20-strong helicopter crew, HMS Gannet unit, based at Prestwick Airport.

The unit topped the UK search and rescue league for the second successive year in 2008, rescuing 347 people.

It covers a 98,000-sq-mile area, taking in Ben Nevis, Edinburgh, the Lake District and the Northern Irish coast.

The eight crew from HMS Gannet were honoured for their part in tricky operations, including the rescue of passengers from the MV Riverdance.

The ferry was caught in high winds and began listing off Blackpool's coast on 31 January last year.

This must be just about unheard of - such a high proportion of a unit amassing such a large clutch of honours at the same time Lieutenant Commander Bryan Nicholas HMS Gannett

The HMS Gannet crew winched 23 passengers to safety.

Lieutenant Commander Martin Lanni and Lieutenant Mike Paulet were awarded the Air Force Cross.

Lt Cdr Martin Ford and Petty Officer Darren Craig received the Queen's Commendation for Bravery in the Air.

Flight Sergeant Euan Gibson, Lt Olivia Millies and Lt Tony Sherwin received the Commander in Chief Fleet Commendation.

Leading air crewman Kevin Regan received a Queen's Gallantry Medal.

Commanding Officer, Lt Cdr Bryan Nicholas, said: "This must be just about unheard of - such a high proportion of a unit amassing such a large clutch of honours at the same time.

"I really am incredibly proud of them and the dedication and determination which they have shown in the face of substantial adversity".