A FORMER chef-turned-soldier has scooped an award for helping troops acclimatise to life in Iraq.

Corporal Adrian Hankin, of Widnes, picked up the Commander's Coin, which recognises outstanding contributions.

The 28-year-old former Sts Peter and Paul Catholic College pupil, who will soon fly home after six months in Iraq, said: "Iraq is definitely the most challenging and rewarding experience so far.

"There is a lot of responsibility, whether it is looking after people's fitness and safety or thousands of pounds worth of armoured vehicles and radio equipment. This is exactly what I signed up for."

The communications systems operator, who only joined the Army five years ago, was praised for helping soldiers acclimatise to the Middle East unforgiving weather. He also ran 4th Mechanized Brigade's gym in Basra, and the troop's armour and radio stores.

Cpl Hankin's citation said he had "proved himself to be an excellent Junior Non-Commissioned Officer during the Operational tour". It described his performance as "superb" and cited his "dedication and selfless-commitment" to his role.

He initially trained as a chef at Halton College, specialising in patisserie, and worked at events including the Royal Ascot horse racing meeting, as well as managing the patisserie department at Selfridges North West.

However, despite a blossoming culinary career, Cpl Hankin was determined to follow a long-term ambition to join the Army.

He said: "I was one of the oldest people in my Basic Training at Lichfield, but the age difference wasn't really a hindrance as we all bonded well through hard work and late nights."