Old school honours Shropshire George Cross hero

Kim Hughes, who was awarded the medal for bravery, will be at the unveiling ceremony at Thomas Telford School on Monday. Mr Hughes disabled several improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in a minefield in Afghanistan in August 2009.

Sir Kevin Satchwell, headteacher at Thomas Telford, said: "We are immensely honoured that Kim attended Thomas Telford School.

"To be able to number such a fine, extraordinarily gallant man amongst our former students is a privilege. As a nation, we owe so much to Kim and his colleagues who risk their lives every day."

A formal ceremony at the school will unveil the wall panel marking the bravery of Mr Hughes in Sangin Province. Mr Hughes was awarded the

George Cross in 2010 for the 'single most outstanding act of explosive ordnance disposal ever recorded in Afghanistan.'

When a soldier was injured by an IED, attempts to rescue him set off a second IED. Two people died and four others were seriously injured. Mr

Hughes disabled seven other IEDs without waiting for protective clothing and helped clear the path.

The special panel illustrating Mr Hughes' heroic actions will be on permanent display in the school.

Lieutenant Colonel Adam McRae, MBE RLC, Commanding Officer of 11 EOD, said: "I hope that he can inspire the pupils at his former school as he continues to inspire my soldiers and officers."