FORMER Parachute Regiment and SAS member John Jenkins has been presented with the Elizabeth Cross, a recognition from the nation for the loss of his son Timothy who was killed in action in the Falklands.

Mr Jenkins, of Tudor Rise, Ross-on-Wye, received the Cross and a Memorial Scroll from Camilla, Dutchess of Cornwall, at a ceremony held at Merville Barracks, Colchester, headquarters of the Air Assault Brigade.

Mr Jenkins' family were said to have been very moved but delighted to receive the award.

Having followed in his father's footsteps, Timothy was aged just 19 when he was killed in action on Mount Longdon on June 12, 1982.

He had attended school in Ross but joined the Parachute Regiment just as soon as he could. He was described as a soldier of great potential.

The Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll is not a posthumous medal for the fallen but an emblem demonstrating tangible recognition for service families for their loss.

Crosses have been granted since August 2009. They are awarded to the next of kin of those who have died in conflict since 1948.

The Cross is made of hallmarked silver and is in the form of a cross with a laurel wreath passing between the arms. The arms of the Crossbear floral symbols representing England (rose), Scotland (thistle), Ireland (shamrock), and Wales (daffodil). The centre of the Cross bears the crowned Cypher of the Queen and the reverse of the Cross is engraved with the name of the Service person in whose memory it is granted.

The Cross is accompanied by a miniature version. The scroll is on parchment-style paper and bears the signature of the Queen.