Bravery award for soldier who defused 93 IEDs

A bomb disposal expert is to receive the Queen's Gallantry Medal after defusing a record number of devices during a tour of Afghanistan.

Captain Wayne Owers, who will receive the honour later this year, tackled a total of 93 improvised explosive devices during a six-month tour from March to August last year.

A citation released by the Ministry of Defence stated that Capt Owers, from Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, had enabled countless missions to succeed and "saved innumerable lives" while serving with The Royal Logistic Corps.

The citation read: "Captain Owers operated with every battle group and the Brigade Reconnaissance Force during a phenomenally intense period.

"He has rendered safe and exploited 93 IEDs - the greatest quantity ever dealt with in a single operational tour by a British operator.

"Such courage and resolute determination to complete tasks irrespective of the risk to his life has been inspirational and served to instil real confidence in commanders and subordinates alike."