A 'courageous' soldier from Norfolk who saved fellow United Nations peacekeepers from a firefight while stationed in Mali has been given an award for his bravery.

Sergeant Adam Humphreys led his Jackal, an armoured vehicle, into the skirmish in order to let his fellow soldiers escape to safety.

He was one of about 80 soldiers from the Queen's Dragoon Guards (QDG), who are based at Swanton Morley, deployed on the mission in the West African country.

Sergeant Humphreys had completed a recce and was heading back to his base when he heard over the radio that soldiers located a short distance away had come across two men on a motorbike, armed with a PKM machine gun and an AK rifle.

The armed men made their escape, leaving behind their motorbike, and ran into nearby bushes.

Two QDG soldiers dismounted from their Jackal and headed into the bushes to try and locate them but found themselves pinned down by gunfire.

Seargent Humphreys arrived on the scene shortly after and, without hesitation, ventured straight into the firefight and helped save the two soldiers.

On learning of his award - a Mention in Despatches - the 31-year-old said: “I was really surprised, to be honest, and very proud. I was just doing my job and although I never expected this award, it is a great honour.

A British Army spokesman added: “His courageous actions in the face of the enemy have demonstrated the resolve of the United Nations peacekeepers and strengthened the reputation of the British Army amongst her allies.”

UK troops have been serving in Mali as part of international efforts to bring stability to the country, where a jihadist insurgency has gripped large areas.

Sergeant Humphreys had previously served on tours in Afghanistan and in Poland.

“I really enjoyed my deployment and found it really fulfilling," he said, adding: "Our core job is reconnaissance, and it was great to be able to put all our training and experience into practice."

The Mention in Despatches is one of the oldest forms of recognition for gallantry within the UK Armed Forces.

Since 1993 the Mention in Despatches has been reserved for gallantry during active operations.