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Rare VC honour for UK soldier

British soldier Lance Corporal James Ashworth, who died as he protected the lives of his comrades in Afghanistan, is to be awarded the Victoria Cross, according to a report.

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British soldier 'to receive posthumous Victoria Cross'

Lance Corporal James Ashworth, who was 23 when he died, will receive the medal in recognition of his "extraordinary courage" while serving with the 1st Battalion The Grenadier Guards in Helmand Province last year, The Times reported.

Lance Corporal James Ashworth of 1st Battalion The Grenadier Guards. Credit: MoD Crown Copyright/PA Wire

The Victoria Cross, the UK's highest award for gallantry, has been awarded just 10 times to British soldiers since the Second World War.

The posthumous award to L/Cpl Ashworth is just the second awarded to a soldier in the 12-year conflict.

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