A bomb disposal expert who risked his life trying to reach two IRA bombs hidden underneath the M6 motorway was awarded the George Medal for conspicuous gallantry at a ceremony in Buckingham Palace in London yesterday.
Warrant Officer Aminul Islam (39), a member of the Royal Logistic Corps, removed his protective clothing to reach the bombs when they were discovered beside scaffolding on the motorway in April last year.
After he received his award from Prince Charles, Mr Islam said his only thought at the time was looking foolish in front of his colleagues.
"As I started to climb up the scaffolding, I thought `if I fall off now, I'm going to look pretty stupid.' "
