STAFF from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) have been awarded Operational Service Medals in recognition of their contributions whilst deployed in support of UK armed forces on Operation HERRICK in Afghanistan.

The Operational Service Medals were awarded in front of family and friends at Dstl’s Porton Down site near Salisbury, by Lieutenant General James Everard CBE, Commander Land Forces and Jonathan Lyle, chief executive of Dstl.

Sue Haines, chief technologist in the information management department at Porton Down who deployed in 2013, said of the award: “I found my role as a scientific adviser, embedded in a UK headquarters in Afghanistan, both challenging and immensely rewarding.

“I was delighted that my family were able to be present for the medal presentation, as their support and backing throughout the experience were really important to me.”