THERE was a double distinction for Northwood's Royal Naval Reservists this week as HMS Wildfire received both the Mountbatten Wireless Trophy and the congratulations of its sponsor, Countess Mountbatten of Burma.

The annual competition for communication specialists was founded before the Second World War and the trophy bearing the figure of Mercury and a naval crown, is awarded to the reserve training centre that demonstrates the most progress or the best standard that year.

The communications team at HMS Wildfire last won the trophy in 1998 and it is a particular distinction to have won again after such a short time.

In her address to the company, Countess Mountbatten said: "Communication is as important between each other as it is between ships."

The Royal Naval Reserve commemorates its centenary this year and members of HMS Wildfire are joining a special parade being held in London on Horse Guards Parade at which HRH The Prince of Wales will present the Sovereign's Colour for the Royal Navy to the RNR.

HMS Wildfire is the Northwood reserve training centre of the RNR in this area and trains volunteers in communications and other areas of specialist skills to take their place alongside their regular counterparts in the Royal Navy afloat and ashore.

During the recent operations in Iraq and the Gulf region, 282 naval reservists were mobilised for service including 24 volunteers from HMS Wildfire.

People interested in volunteering can telephone 01923 833061 or log on to their website wildfire@a.dii.mod.uk.