A SOLDIER from Lincoln has been commended for his bravery which paved the way for a peaceful community in Afghanistan.

Corporal Steven Martin, 31, was yesterday awarded a Mention in Despatches – a recognition of gallantry in the military.

The accolade has come thanks to the part he played in the development of a safe environment for local people in the Upper Gereshk Valley while serving in Afghanistan.

The road to making this happen began when Mr Martin's section of 4th Battalion, The Rifles, was deployed in support of an improvised explosive device (IED) clearance operation late last year, when it came under sustained fire at close range.

Having moved his men to relative safety behind a low wall, he broke from his cover to throw a hand grenade at the enemy firing position before returning fire with his rifle.

All of this was in full view of the enemy.

His actions held the enemy at bay while air support was coordinated to attack and defeat them.

Mr Martin's courage came to the fore on another occasion when he saw his comrades and platoon commander pinned down by machine-gun and rocket fire.

He responded, moving his section to a flanking position to fire on the enemy, providing relief to the rest of the platoon.

This instinctive and aggressive action in the face of a determined enemy onslaught undoubtedly prevented his platoon sustaining heavy casualties, according to his citation.

The citation went on to say: "Often in the thick of the fight and completely unflappable, even when the vehicle he commanded was destroyed in an explosion, Martin's contribution to the delivery of suc cess in the Upper Gereshk Valley has been profound."

Mr Martin said: "I am very proud and honoured to be recognised for this award. It may have been my name put forward for it, but this award is for everybody I served alongside."

Mr Martin, who joined the Army in 1998, is married to Sophie and they have a six-month-old son, James.

His parents, Melvin and Sue, live in Lincoln.

Nick Thornton, Commanding Officer 4th Battalion The Rifles, referring to seven of his men including Mr Steve Martin, who received the awards, said: "We are all incredibly proud of the courage shown by all members of A Company in Sangin and these awards highlight their extraordinary achievements. That they fall across the ranks is testament to their shared sense of purpose."