A heroic Major from Worcestershire has been honoured with the prestigious Military Cross for his "utmost bravery and leadership" while under fire in Iraq.

Major Richard Head was awarded the medal after spending seven months commanding B Company, 1st Battalion The Light Infantry in Basra.

It is one of the highest honours awarded to soldiers for gallantry in active service, after the Victoria Cross and the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.

But the modest major said that while it was amazing to receive the honour, others had been just as brave.

The 38-year-old soldier, who lives in Upper Welland, near Malvern, led the company between May and November 2006.

A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said: "Maj Head consistently led from the front, motivating his men and living up to the challenges of his role."

She singled out several incidents including one when he took control at the scene of a helicopter crash despite opposition from an angry crowd of more than 300 people.

Maj Head said: "We faced everything from shouting to throwing stones and bricks to petrol bombs bullets, rocket-propelled grenades and mortars.

"What I did was get small groups of determined men to take and protect a cordon, to try to form a secure perimeter, which in an urban environment is difficult."

He was also praised for ensuring his company defended its base at Basra's Old State Building despite continuous ferocious attack from local militias for a period of 200 days.

Major Head said: "I'm very honoured and surprised and flattered but this was not me on my own at all."

"A lot of people are knocking the youth of today but there are a lot of 18, 19, 20 and 21-year-old boys and girls who did some truly brave, honourable stuff."

He was particularly proud that the entire company had received a special commendation for its work, which he said he had never heard of happening before.

Major Head has been inundated with congratulatory messages from friends but joked: "I don't feel very gallant and my girlfriend Caroline says I'm not."

He now plans to take his mother Julia Head, aged 64, to Buckingham Palace when he collects his award from the Queen next year.

Mrs Head said she was very proud of her son and added: "I was relieved he came back unharmed so the medal was a bonus."