A Lincoln solider killed in Afghanistan could be presented with the George Cross.

It has been rumoured Captain Dan Shepherd, 28, could be awarded one of the military's highest awards for bravery on Friday.

Capt Shepherd was hailed as "unbelievably courageous" and "unflappable in the face of danger" by a commanding officer.

If the Ministry of Defence does decide to honour his sacrifice, Capt Shepherd's wife Kerry could be officially handed the posthumous honour from the Queen at a Buckingham Palace ceremony later this year.

The medal is the highest award that can be given to military personnel for acts of bravery which didn't involve direct action with the enemy.

Capt Shepherd died while trying to defuse an improvised explosive device in the Nad-e-Ali district in Helmand Province on July 20 last year.

"The George Cross would be a fitting tribute to Dan Shepherd's bravery and courage.

"This is the highest honour that a country can bestow and I, along with people in Lincoln, are grateful for the ultimate sacrifice paid by Captain Shepherd, in the service of his country.

"I know that Captain's Shepherds family live with their loss every day and nothing can lessen their pain, but I'm sure that they would receive any award commending Dan's service with a great sense of pride and honour."

For more, see Tuesday's Echo.