A SOLDIER from Callington has been presented with an Afghanistan campaign medal by the Duke of Edinburgh.

Corporal John Budden is a Royal electrical mechanical engineer attached to the Queen's Royal Hussars (QRH) and last week Prince Philip travelled to Germany to present Cpl Budden and 100 other soldiers from C Squadron of the QRH with their medals.

Speaking of his experiences on Op Herrick 20, John, 25, who is a recovery mechanic by trade, said: 'My main job in Afghanistan was to assist with the recovery of vehicles that had broken down, got stuck in the desert or sustained damage as a result of enemy fire whilst they were out on patrols.

'One of the main challenges was having to work on the Warthog, a vehicle I had not worked on previously, as I would normally work on the Challenger Armoured Repair Recovery Vehicle (CARRV).'

After the ceremony the Duke of Edinburgh addressed the soldiers from C Squadron and their families. He said: 'It is a great pleasure for me to be here to present these campaign medals. I am quite sure your families and friends are delighted to see you and I hope you have all had a good period of leave and are back raring to go.'

Deployed to Afghanistan in June as part of the Warthog Group C Squadron, QRH, were one of the last British combat units with the group, consisting of vehicle crews and mounted infantry from 5th Battalion The Rifles.

In their three months in theatre the squadron, numbering almost 200 soldiers, played a key role in the provision of security in central Helmand in order to allow the drawdown of British troops from theatre.

This they achieved by carrying out 11 major operations, designed to disrupt insurgent activity, intercept vital aid and provide security alongside Afghan security forces in Helmand Province while British troops drew down from Camp Bastion.

Watching the parade with immense pride were John's parents John and Bernadette Budden who had travelled to Germany to see John receive his medal and were afterwards fortunate enough to have the opportunity to speak with Prince Philip.

Bernadette said: 'To be honest we never imagined we would speak with Prince Philip, so to do so was just amazing.'

John added: 'It was an honour to see our son receive his medal from His Royal Highness and an unexpected privilege to actually meet and speak with him after the parade. It's great that he is here to show his support for everyone.'