The family of a heroic soldier killed trying to save the lives of an injured comrade have been presented with an Express & Star Local Hero Award on his behalf.

Father-of-two Corporal Jonathan Horne, from Delves, Walsall, died after an explosion in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, on July 10. He had been carrying a colleague who was injured in a blast.

His widow Rachel was joined by their four-month-old daughter Jessica, Cpl Horne’s oldest daughter Frankie-Jane, nine, and his nephew Joshua Horne to receive the first ever posthumous Local Hero Award. Rachel, aged 25, said: “It is an honour to accept this. He is not forgotten.” His mother Jane Whitehouse said: “It is a big honour.”

Hundreds gave Cpl Horne a hero’s send-off last month at St Gabriel’s Church, Delves, where he married Rachel two years ago. This week it was announced Cpl Horne’s name will be added to the war memorial at Walsall Council House.

The Local Heroes Awards are run in conjunction with Birmingham Midshires and Wolves in the Community.