Two Army bomb disposal experts have been awarded the George Cross for tackling Taliban explosives in Afghanistan.

Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid, 30, of the Royal Logistic Corps, was killed attempting to defuse one of the devices last October.

Staff Sergeant Kim Hughes, 30, from Telford, Shropshire, and also of the Royal Logistic Corps, received his award for what was described as "the single most outstanding act of explosive ordnance disposal ever recorded in Afghanistan".

Last August he dismantled seven insurgent bombs by hand without any protective clothing so four seriously wounded soldiers and the bodies of two dead comrades could be recovered.

In October, he caused a stir when he told Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth, on a visit to Afghanistan, that more troops were needed on the ground.

The George Cross ranks along with the Victoria Cross as Britain's highest award for bravery. It is presented to civilians and members of the armed forces who carry out acts of great heroism not in the presence of the enemy.