A SEAMAN who became a ship's cook after worsening eyesight prevented him working as a look-out has received a long service award.
Sam Janes, who lives at Neale Road, Lockwood, was recognised for his 25 years service with Southampton-based Hanson Aggregates Marine.
Mr Janes joined the company as a deck hand and was promoted to second mate and bosun. When he failed an eyesight test and could no longer keep a look-out, he went below deck to sign on as a cook on the dredger Arco Dee.
Mr Janes also put himself through catering college during his shore leave. He gained NVQ levels 2 and 3 - making him arguably the best-qualified ship's cook in the company.
The Arco Dee works in the Bristol Channel, dredging sand and gravel for use in the building industry and calling at ports in South Wales and along the Somerset coast.
Mr Janes was presented with a framed certificate for his 25 years service by managing director Barry Dennett and operations director Paul Whittle.
