SERVICEMEN and women from York and North Yorkshire were today honoured by the Queen for their courage and professionalism during this year's Iraq conflict.

A young hero who received his military training in Harrogate has become the youngest soldier to pick up the prestigious George Cross - the nation's highest award for gallantry.

Brave Trooper Christopher Finney, 19, of the Blues and Royals, saved a colleague's life under friendly fire in Iraq.

An Army spokeswoman told the Evening Press: "He started his army career at 16 at the Harrogate Army Foundation College.

"They are extremely proud of him."

Thomas Orde-Powlett, a lieutenant in the Irish Guards and heir to the Bolton Estate, near Leyburn, has been awarded the Military Cross for bravery in battle. Captain Andrew Forbes, Royal Corps of Signals, from Strensall, was awarded an MBE for his efforts in the conflict, as was Major Alan Durrant, Royal Regiment of Artillery, Catterick Garrison.

Other local military men honoured with MiDs (Mentions in Dispatches) were: Flight Lieutenant Andrew Callum Reardon Robins, Royal Air Force, from York; Sergeant Stephen Anthony Hornsby, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, Catterick and Staff Sergeant David Richard Hurst, Queen's Royal Lancers, Catterick.

Captain Thomas Charles Holland, Royal Regiment of Artillery, from Thirsk; Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Keith Macrostie MBE, Royal Corps of Signals, from Fulford, received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service.

Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Michael Walker, praising the 374 men and women honoured - 12 from Yorkshire - said: "The men and women who serve in Britain's Armed Forces never fail to draw the admiration of people all over the world.

"Those honoured today represent all that is finest in their willingness to take on the toughest tasks, to face many dangers, and to make sacrifices. We should be proud of every one of them."

Updated: 10:48 Friday, October 31, 2003