A SOLDIER from West Devon was presented with a great honour at the Lord Mayor's Show in London recently.

Lance Sergeant Shaun Delaney from Bere Alston, was recognised for his achievements as a drummer after receiving the Director of Infantry's Cutlers' Sword by the new Lord Mayor of London, Alderman the Right Honourable Michael Bear, at the climax of the Lord Mayor's Show.

The annual presentation recognises the achievements of the best drummer, flautist or bugler in the British Army's infantry regiments.

Lance Sergeant Delaney of 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, has served in the Drums Platoon for more than 13 years, joining the Army in 1996, most recently as a member of the Fire Support Group during his battalion's tour of Afghanistan earlier this year. Since then, Sergeant Delaney has been an instructor at the Army School of Ceremonial in Catterick, where he instructs new drummers and buglers.

Lance Sergeant Delaney attended the Lord Mayor's Show in London with his fiancé, Donna Drummond.

Lance Sergeant Delaney said: 'It's a great honour to win this award, both for me and for the Coldstream Guards. I have mounted Queen's Guard, but never met the Lord Mayor before. I will wear the sword with great pride and use it as a motivating tool for any drummer who aspires to be the best in the Army.'

The sword is embossed with Lance Sergeant Delaney's name and he may carry it when on parade in ceremonial uniform.