Family's pride as Bolton soldier gets Military Cross (From The Bolton News)

Family's pride as Bolton soldier gets Military Cross

A BOLTON soldier is to be awarded a medal from the Queen for his bravery in a battle against the Taliban.

Bombardier Paul Greenwood on patrol in Afghanistan

Bombardier Paul Greenwood, aged 24, is a member of the 19 Regiment, Royal Artillery, based in Larkhill, near Salisbury.

He joined the army aged 17 and has served in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

But it was his actions in Afghanistan in July last year that won him the Military Cross, the third highest award for gallantry.

His regiment was supporting the Afghan National Army in a battle against the Taliban.

Paul with fiancee Jemma Grills, mum Catherine and dad John

He found himself in a ditch with five other soldiers as the enemy was preparing to mount its final assault.

They realised they did not have enough ammunition to carry on fighting.

Paul, from Morris Green, volunteered to run through the torrent of enemy fire to collect the ammunition.

The former pupil of St James' School, Farnworth, said: "I didn't really think about it. I just did it because someone had to for us to be able to carry on fighting.

"When my commanding officer told me I was being awarded the Military Cross I was in complete shock. It has only just started to sink in."

Paul's fiancée, Jemma Grills, his mum Catherine and dad John, went to Larkhill to hear the awards being announced on Friday.

Mrs Greenwood, aged 61, of Hunger Hill, said: "We are absolutely over the moon about it. We had no idea what he had done. His father is absolutely speechless."

Jemma, aged 24, said: "The first we heard about it was at the presentation on Friday. When the Major announced it his mum and I both had tears rolling down our faces. I'm so proud of him. To him it is just part of his job, but I'm really pleased that his bravery has been recognised."

The Queen will present Paul with his medal in July.