A ‘ferocious fighter’ stationed in Shropshire has been officially named the bravest of the brave. Sergeant Ryan McCready was named Britain’s Most Outstanding Soldier at the 2011 Military Awards.

Hero soldier Ryan McCready

He received the accolade from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The glittering ceremony honouring outstanding servicemen and women was shown on ITV’s A Night of Heroes last night.

Viewers saw 26-year-old Sergeant McCready, based at Tern Hill near Market Drayton, honoured for his service in Afghanistan with 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment.

During his tour of duty last winter, he led daily skirmishes against Taliban fighters and in a single battle wiped out eight enemy troops and wounded five more after pursuing them relentlessly.

Although he was hit by a rocket propelled grenade and had shrapnel in his neck, Sergeant McCready continued his duties. He still has shrapnel embedded in his body.

Sergeant McCready was also recognised for his efforts in winning the trust of the local Afghan community to keep the Taliban at bay.

Lieutenant Colonel Colin Weir, the regiment’s Commanding Officer, told the Shropshire Star today: “I was on patrol with him pretty regularly in Afghanistan and I saw first-hand the regard in which he was held by the local Afghans.

“He was a ferocious fighter and his legacy in that part of Helmand is a lasting one.”

Prince William told Sergeant McCready: “You exemplify the unique qualities that make the British soldier second to none — courage, steadfastness, sense of humour, professionalism and a deep sense of humanity.”

Sergeant McCready, from County Londonderry, said: “I am taken aback. I am extremely grateful but I do stand here as an ambassador of the armed forces and my battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment.”

He dedicated his award to three fallen comrades – Rangers Aaron McCormick and David Dalzell, and Lance Corporal Stephen McKee.