NAVAL medics from Plymouth who patched up city troops on the frontline in Afghanistan have received their campaign medals.

Leading Medical Assistant Lianne Spiby and Leading Naval Nurse Sarah Morris who work at Derriford Hospital, and Medical Assistant Craig Barff, who works in Devonport Naval Base, have been presented with their medals by The Duchess of Cornwall, Commodore in Chief of Royal Naval Medical Services.

During their six-month tour in the desert the medical staff either joined patrols into the badlands or manned the hospital at Camp Bastion.

On the camp 3,600 patients were treated during the six months.

Medics also took part in more than 10,000 foot patrols across Helmand province in the same period of time.

As a patrol medic serving with Bickleigh's 42 Commando, Lianne, aged 25, would conduct two or three patrols per day whereas the companies she patrolled with only do one.

Naval medics carry a medical rucksack which weights upwards of 20 kilos, and with their body armour, rifle, ammunition and water, the combined weight of their equipment can be reach nearly 50 kilos.

Lianne took on a training role for the more junior medics in her team in Camp Bastion. She said: "It's always worst to see the local children coming through, but more than anyone they are very resilient and bounce back quicker than ever. They really are getting the best care in the world."

Craig, aged 24, primarily worked as a combat support medic with 'A' Company of 3 Mercian Regiment. During his deployment he lived with them at their patrol base in the heart of the British operating area and went out on front-line ground patrols up to three times a day in the Afghan summer heat.

The patrol medic said: "Working with the Army has been an interesting experience."

Last week's medal ceremony was staged at HMS Excellent, Whale Island in Portsmouth.

Following the ceremony and parade Her Royal Highness attended a reception for the medal recipients and their families.