A FORMER civil servant from Torpoint, who now works for Flagship Training Limited at HMS Raleigh, has been honoured with an Imperial Service Medal in recognition of his loyal and dedicated service. Peter Cooper, accompanied by his wife Patricia, was presented with his medal by Commodore David Pond, commanding officer of HMS Raleigh. Mr Cooper, 56, joined HMS Raleigh in 1976 as a cleaner. He later moved on to work with the grounds staff before becoming a driver in 1989. The former pupil of Torpoint Community School left the civil service earlier this year when his post transferred to Flagship Training Limited. King Edward VII instituted the Imperial Service Order in 1902 to reward members of the civil service for the service given to him. The medal, awarded to eligible civil servants, is at the prerogative of the the Queen. It is not an automatic award, but is given to those who on leaving the civil service have given at least 25 years' meritorious service.