A DEVOTED part-time soldier has been rewarded for 12 years' service with the Territorial Army - but it was not a new experience.

Sgt Peter Buka was given a similar award 12 years ago - and has now clocked up nearly a quarter of a century of service.

The 42-year-old, of Hermitage Way, Stourport, has more than earned his Voluntary Reserve Service Medal - the minimum commitment is 36 days a year, but he clocks up well over 70 and helps to train new recruits.

He also takes part in shooting competitions with the Stratford and Stourbridge -based 67 Signal Squadron - also known as the Queen's Own Warwickshire and Worcestershire Yeomanry - of which he has been a member for 12 years.

He joined the Worcester-based A Company 2nd Battalion 2 Mercian - which moved to Kidderminster and became A Company 4 WFR in 1988 - shortly before turning 18, following in the footsteps of his older brother John.

Peter left his job in a shop to work in a carpet factory to make it easier to fulfil his TA commitments and currently works as a moulder of car parts.

Highlights of his time in the TA include last year's exchange trip to Iowa. His opposite number in the US, Sgt Bill Moritz, is now out helping the war effort in Iraq.

Peter said meeting new friends was the main perk of the job. "It's like a family."