A SOLDIER from Ellesmere Port has been honoured for his bravery while on duty in Northern Ireland.

Karl Chappelle, from Little Sutton, has been awarded the Queen's Commendation for Bravery for helping to quell rioters after a pipe bomb exploded in a cul-de-sac in East Belfast.

The 35-year-old sergeant belongs to the Cheshire Regiment which was deployed in the province for a six-month tour of duty in the latter half of 2002.

The battalion was taking its turn at keeping the fragile peace between Nationalist and loyalist factions.

Despite the peace process and the ceasefire of recent years, there is much to do - as was the case when Karl was patrolling in the Short Strand district.

He said: 'A pipe bomb exploded next to our vehicle and the demonstration taking place was turning into a riot.

'We were heavily outnumbered and trapped, but I managed to calm the crowd down.

'Unfortunately, we were faced with an unexploded pipe bomb which meant I had to clear the area and task the bomb disposal experts to destroy the device.'

Karl was presented with his bravery award by Prince Charles when he visited the Cheshires at their headquarters in Wiltshire.

Karl is now preparing for the latest deployment to Iraq where battalion soldiers will spend the six months.