Victoria Cross for soldier who died protecting his comrades

A soldier from Northamptonshire who died in Afghanistan while protecting the lives of his comrades is to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

Lance Corporal James Ashworth was 23. It is only the 11th time the Victoria Cross has been awarded to a British soldier since the Second World War.

The people in his hometown of Corby honoured him with applause. His comrades with a volley of gunfire.

Now Lance Corporal James Ashworth is to receive the highest military honour the nation can bestow - the Victoria Cross.

The priest who conducted his funeral says he gave his life to save others.

Lance Corporal James Ashworth died on June 13th last year. He was serving in Helmand province with the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards when his reconnaissance platoon came up against the Taliban. He is said to have led from the front, deliberately exposing himself to enemy fire while protecting his men, before being killed in a grenade blast.

At the time of his death, Lance Corporal Ashworth's commanding officers saluted his "extraordinary courage" and his popularity within the platoon.

The awarding of the Victoria Cross is extremely rare. This is only the second from the war in Afghanistan. A Midlands MP and former army colonel says it's testimony to the bravery of British troops on the frontline.

There has as yet been no comment from Lance Corporal Ashworth's family in Corby. The Ministry of Defence is expected to make an official announcement about the award later this week.