X FACTOR star Cher Lloyd was all smiles when she met hero soldier Ricky Furgusson.

Corporal Furgusson, from the 4th Battalion The Rifles (4 Rifles), lost both his legs and an eye in a bomb blast in Afghanistan.

The 25-year-old, from Shropshire, was recently awarded the Military Cross for his bravery in helping other injured soldiers before he himself was injured.

Malvern teenager Cher is among the 16 X Factor finalists to sing on a charity single being released on Sunday in aid of Help for Heroes.

Proceeds from the single, a cover of David Bowie’s hit Heroes, will help fund the rehabilitation of British servicemen and women who have been wounded in active service.

She and her fellow contestents will perform the song live for the first time on the X Factor on Sunday.

• See tomorrow's Worcester News for an exclusive interview with Cher's family.

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