Black Country soldier forced to cut short his service on the frontline in Afghanistan after being diagnosed with cancer was honoured for his heroism at a special celebration in Wolverhampton.

Friends and loved ones were at a surprise party for 35-year-old Stuart Unsworth as he was presented with his Operational Service Medal Afghanistan. Territorial Army soldier Stuart went to Afghanistan with the Theatre Logistical Group 6th Regiment in April. He volunteered after being made redundant at MFI.

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After falling ill in Afghanistan army medics diagnosed him with a rare form of skin cancer.

He returned to Wolverhampton in September, about seven weeks before the tour of duty was due to end, for an operation at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Stuart, of Pendeford, who is married to Sharon and father to Sam, six, said today: “It was a complete surprise. I had spoken to my friends and thought I was just going for a quick drink with them. When I turned up and everyone was there it was a big surprise.

“My captain presented me with my Operational Service Medal Afghanistan and it was very emotional. I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma while I was over there and had to come back.

“I have had an operation and been told that I won’t need chemotherapy. I am hoping I can stay in the army but I just don’t know at the moment and I will just have to see how things go. I am just taking it step by step.”

The surprise celebration were held at the Claregate Pub, Codsall Road, Claregate on Saturday.

Captain John King, who presented the medal to the father-of-one in front of cheering family and friends, said that it was “an honour” to know Stuart.