A regional press defence reporter has been presented with a special national award by the Royal British Legion for his work reporting on operations across the world.

Tristan Nichols, of The Herald, Plymouth, was named a regional Friend of the Forces last month for his work in the South of England.

This week he collected a Friend of the Forces president’s award at a ceremony in London, attended by Prince Harry.

He was presented with the award by Lt General Sir John Kiszely, national president of The Royal British Legion, recogising his contribution to the coverage of the Armed Forces.

Tristan, 32, has been the defence reporter for the paper for more than five years and has twice reported from the frontline in Afghanistan and has also visited Plymouth’s troops in Iraq, Norway, Sierra Leone and the Falkland Islands.

Tristan, right, is presented with the award by Lt General Sir John Kiszely.

Said Tristan: “I was incredibly humbled by the whole experience. The event was spectacular and, ultimately, it is wonderful to be recognised for doing the job that you love.

“I feel very privileged to hold my position and to work with such fantastic people in the armed forces.”

Tristan had chance to meet Prince Harry at the awards, chatting to him for a few minutes about their respective times in Afghanistan.

He has also been made an honorary Marine by Plymouth’s 42 Commando and has pioneered the use of head cameras to expand his online coverage of conflicts.

The prestigious Friends of the Forces Awards, sponsored by The Royal British Legion, recognise those from across the UK who make an outstanding contribution to service personnel and their families.

Winners of the awards were chosen from 450 nominations nationwide by a panel of judges, chaired by the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup.