Ben Parkinson MBE: Soldier 'so proud', says mother

A soldier thought to have survived the worst ever battlefield injuries in Afghanistan has been made an MBE.

Lance Bombardier Ben Parkinson received the honour from the Prince of Wales at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

The paratrooper suffered more than 40 injuries in a bomb attack in Afghanistan in 2006.

As well as brain damage which affected his memory and speech, he also broke his pelvis, his back in four places, shattered his arm and chest, and lost both legs.

Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield's Toby Foster, L/Bombardier Parkinson's mother, Diane Dernie, said Ben was "so proud" of the honour.

Pictures courtesy British Ceremonial Arts