Soldiers honoured for Afghanistan actions

A soldier who risked his life to defuse roadside bombs and another who called a ceasefire when he saw children used as human shields have been honoured.

Sgt David Acarnley, 31, from Northumberland received the Queen's Gallantry Medal for rescuing colleagues when their vehicle struck a device.

Maj Martin Hedley, 32, originally from Gateshead, received an MBE for his actions in protecting the children.

They are among more than 100 recognised with military honours.

Sgt Acarnley, from Riding Mill, a bomb disposal officer with 11 EOD Regiment The Royal Logistics Corps, was called when a Danish vehicle hit an improvised explosive device in June.

The crew was trapped inside by a second device at the back of the vehicle and he worked to give them an escape route.

As he was doing that another soldier triggered a third device and he cleared a safe route so medics could reach the injured soldier before turning back to rescuing the crew.

To read the full story, visit:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-21895647