A ROYAL NAVY police officer from Northolt was presented with an excellence award for his commitment and dedication to training new recruits at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall.

Master-At-Arms (MAA) Ian Gritt was selected as the winner of the Chip Dale award for staff excellence.

Lt Cdr David Fox, Officer-in-Charge, described him as one of the best matelots he had ever had the privilege to serve with.

He added: “His judgement is unquestionably fair, his military bearing is of the highest order and he has demonstrated unwavering integrity.”

At HMS Raleigh, MAA Gritt, 52, is responsible for teaching the recruits the laws of the Service and the standards of discipline they are required to maintain.

A former pupil of Walford High School (now West London Academy), he joined the Royal Navy straight from school at the age of 16.

He has served on seven Royal Navy warships and ashore in Plymouth, Portsmouth, Northwood and Portland.

He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct medal, recognising 15 years of dedicated service, in 1996. MAA Gritt has captained both the Combined Services Gibraltar and Plymouth Command football teams.

He said: “My career has always brought many new challenges whether serving at home or abroad, full of career highlights, which have included providing humanitarian aid in Sierra Leone, to representing Devonport field gun crew at the Royal Tournament and attending The Queen’s garden party with my wife.

“I consider myself very privileged to be back working where it all started, at HMS Raleigh. Despite serving my country for 35 years, I am as enthusiastic today as I was when I joined at 16.

"The Royal Navy will always remain a big part of my family, even when I finally retire.”

MAA Gritt currently lives in Plymouth with his wife Stephanie. He has two sons, Matthew, 26, and Leyton, 24.

He is a regular visitor to Northolt to visit wider family and friends.