South regional winners

The Defence Reporter from The Herald in Plymouth who has reported on operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Sierra Leone has been named the South's Friend of The Forces.

Tristan Nichols has been given the prestigious award for the exceptional support he continues to offer the British Armed Forces. He has won the Individual category for the South.

The other winners in the South were Keaton Peppiatt for Youth, the town of Wootton Bassett in the Community category and The Millers Collection in the Corporate category.

Tristan Nichols

Mr Nichols was invited by the Ministry of Defence and individual units to report from Afghanistan, Iraq, and Sierra Leone. He has been shot at, slept in ditches, and endured temperatures from -42 to +49 degrees. He pioneered the use of head cameras to expand his online coverage of conflicts, and launched an appeal in memory of local soldiers which has raised £54,000 to date. He has also been made an honorary Royal Marine by Plymouth's 42 Commando.

Mr Nichols said, "I'm seriously delighted to have been chosen to receive this award. I feel very privileged to hold my position, and to work with such fantastic people in the Armed Forces. They are a credit to our great nation I speak on behalf of The Herald when I say we are very proud of each and every Service man and woman's efforts, and we look forward to continuing our coverage of their efforts into the future."

Major Steve Fraser, Second in Command of the Plymouth-based 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, said, "From my perspective Tristan's constant engagement with us as a Regiment over a number of years, his integrity and his willingness to get out and about with us at every opportunity has made him stand out. Not only did he take our stories, good and bad, to the city with care and compassion, he also made it very easy for me to be the face of the regiment at some very difficult times. I am delighted that Tristan has been recognised by The Royal British Legion – a very fitting reward for the way in which he has supported us and gone about his profession."

John Pentreath, The Royal British Legion's County Manager for Devon said, "Tristan has put in an exceptional effort to offer help and support to the Armed Forces family and we are extremely pleased to be recognising his dedication through this award. We received hundreds of excellent entries from across the South, however the judges were incredibly impressed by the outstanding work that he has been doing. On behalf of the British Armed Forces, The Royal British Legion would like to say a huge thank you to Tristan."

Keaton Peppiatt

Keaton, from Bexhill-on-Sea, has tirelessly fundraised for Forces charities adn volunteered in the local Thank the Forces charity shop.

Keaton first volunteered two years ago when he contacted Sue Smith, Chair of Trustees at Thank The Forces, to ask if he could help by collecting gift boxes for British Armed Forces serving abroad. Since then, Keaton has collected gifts, packed boxes and also raised funds for the charity. He has also written to Service personnel abroad, raised £100 at his school fete, and given several school assemblies to raise awareness about the Armed Forces. Now 12, he is involved in opening a charity shop, The Cabin, and is helping to arrange a military fair as well as organising a street fair.

"I can't believe I won the award", said Keaton. "I knew I had been entered but never imagined that I would get this far. I was so excited to receive the phone call. I have told my teachers and relatives and they are all very proud of me and what I have achieved."

Mrs Smith, of Thank The Forces said, "Keaton is a fine example of a truly selfless young man who gives his time freely to let brave British troops know that their service and sacrifices for the nation are not going unnoticed. Despite having no direct Military connections Keaton is always keen to be spreading the word about Thank The Forces Charity. His energy and enthusiasm never sways, he really is a very special young man. Wherever Keaton goes and whoever he speaks to, you can count on him to come back with a gift, donation or a pledge of support for our British Forces Personnel."

Wootten Bassett

The small town of Wootten Bassett has moved the British people with the respect it shows to repatriated Service personnel and the comfort it offers to grieving families. 

The Mayor of Wootton Bassett, Mary Champion said, "It is an honour to be able to pay my respects to those who have fallen. Being a mother and grandmother myself, I am all too often humbled by the bravery of those who have lost their loved ones. We as a community respect, support and salute them all."

RAF Lyneham's Station Commander, John Gladston said, "It is fabulous news that Wootton Bassett has yet again been recognised for its astonishing support of our military and in particular the support they show during the repatriation of our fallen. The award of The Royal British Legion's Friends of the Forces Community Group Award for the South is just recognition of the commitment of the people of Wootton Bassett and the quite humbling show of respect that has helped reinvigorate the Nation's support to our Service men and women. I am constantly impressed by the dedication and dignity which the people of this small Wiltshire market town display all too often. It is a privilege to know them and enjoy their support in the local community." 

The Millers Collection

The Millers Collection is a prestigious restaurant chain that arranged veterans' lunches, serving a three course meal free of charge and has fundraised for Forces charities.

The Millers Collection has been shortlisted for the National award in the Corporate category.