TODAY, we take great pleasure in reporting the gallantry medals awarded to some of our young soldiers in recognition of their service in Afghanistan.

These young men - some of them still in their teens - are the pride not just of the county of Worcestershire but of the country as a whole.

Last December the people of Worcester made their feelings known about the Mercian Regiment (formerly the Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters) when they lined the streets of the city in their thousands to welcome our troops home from the hellish conditions of the Helmand Province.

One of our reporters saw for himself the tough conditions and close combat the Mercians had to endure during their tour of duty.

Now several of them are being honoured for some remarkable acts of bravery. We make no apologies for repeating the following - no matter your view on the rights and wrongs of our military involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan - Britain's servicemen and women deserve your unstinting support.

Many of them have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country. They will not be forgotten by their colleagues - and nor should they be by the rest of us. The bravery of those who have returned to these shores should also be marked.

We were disappointed the Government refused to back our campaign to award a special combat medal to troops who have served in Afghanistan.

The gallantry awards we report today go a long way towards giving our soldiers the recognition they deserve.