A CAPTAIN in the Woofers is following in his grandfather's footsteps after being made an MBE.

Daniel Hinxman, originally from Areley Kings, Stourport, has spoken of his pride at the award while serving in Afghanistan with the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters.

We reported on Saturday how the 27-year-old had been made an MBE and managed to track him down on the front line in Helmand province.

Capt Hinxman, who was left his grandfather's MBE in a will, said it was a big surprise for him and he was not expecting it at all.

He heard the news after a day on duty and was swimming in a river at 11pm to cool down when he was told to ring the colonel.

"I was shocked as a colonel is quite high ranking. I thought it was going to be terrible news, something about my family or that I had done something wrong.

"But he told me he wanted to be the first to congratulate me that I had been awarded an MBE," he said.

Capt Hinxman, a fire support commander, was recognised for his work commanding a cadet training team between October 2005 and July 2006, mentoring them and helping them achieve their full potential.

His grandfather Colonel Paul Randall fought in the Second World War in the Royal Signals regiment as part of the legendary "Desert Rats" Eighth Army in North Africa. He was made an MBE for his services in helping run the communication services for General Montgomery.

"I re-wrote some of the methods of training the cadets, and I think it is for that. My grandfather, who died just before I came out here, gave me his medals in his will and I was going to bring them with me but they were too precious," said Capt Hinxman.

He attended Bromsgrove school before joining the Army at 18, and has already served in Bosnia.

His parents Malcolm and Maralyn Hinxman, who now live in Dorset, said they were very proud of their son, who is due to return home in just over four months.