The 29-year-old RAF Corporal was selected to receive the prestigious honour from the Queen after displaying great bravery when trying to rescue a friend during a fierce battle in Iraq.

Cpl Hayden's patrol was ambushed by around 50 insurgents on the outskirts of Basra last August and he fearlessly ran out into open ground while under fire in an attempt to save Leading Aircraftsman Martin Beard.

Leading Aircraftsman Beard died during the attack, known as the Battle of Al-Waki, and humble hero Cpl Hayden, who went to Gleed Boys' School, Spalding, paid tribute to him and his other fallen comrades after receiving his medal from the Queen.

He said: "I am absolutely delighted to receive this medal but obviously I am not forgetting the lads with me on the day – I am just the lucky one to get the medal.

"I'm no hero. If anyone's a hero it's the lads who have died away and their families. They are dealing with a lot more than what I am dealing with."

Cpl Hayden was the only person to receive the Military Cross from the Queen in last Wednesday's investiture ceremony which also saw several MBEs and OBEs given out.

He attended the ceremony with his mother Sylvia, who still lives in Spalding, grandfather David Coles and wife Phillipa.

He said: "The Queen is a lovely lady and although I was very nervous she quickly put me at ease.

"I think she does a really good job and she has got a good way with people.

"I am pretty proud and especially glad that I shared the day with family."

Cpl Hayden is based at RAF Honington, Suffolk, and is involved in bayonet training and helping to encourage the next generation of recruits for the armed forces.

He has also been presented with a scroll of honour by South Holland District Council in recognition of his remarkable efforts.

Lincolnshire County Council leader Martin Hill received an OBE for services to local government.

Coun Hill has been a county councillor for 16 years and has led the authority for the last three years.

He was praised for improving relations with parish councils and working closely with the seven districts to represent Lincolnshire.

He praised his colleagues for helping him achieve the honour from the Queen last week.