TWO East Lancashire soldiers have been honoured in a list of brave servicemen for work around the world.

Lance Corporal Adrian Redfearn, of Rishton, and Lieutenant Michael Peel, of Nelson, are among 120 soldiers singled out for their actions.

The soldiers, both 23, serve with the Queen's Lancashire Regiment, and both are to receive a 'mention in dispatches' for their actions in Iraq.

Lance Corporal Redfearn entered a house known to be under the control of four armed men, and he has been praised in his citation for 'his quick thinking and courageous action'.

Adrian, who is stationed in Cyprus with his wife and two children, still has family in Rishton. His father, Peter, of George Street, said: "All the family are very proud of him. He joined the army as a boy soldier at 16-and-a-half and the army is his life.

"He has done two tours of Northern Ireland then went to Iraq last year. They were the second replacements. Of course I worry about him, whenever he goes away, but it's his life."

Lieutenant Peel, of Nelson, was also praised for helping to save the lives of colleagues after he spotted an ambush party lying in wait. His citation praises him for demonstrating 'exceptional judgement and clear-headed courage under pressure'.

Defence secretary Geoff Hoon has heaped praise on the men for their awards.

He said: "They are an extraordinary catalogue of bravery, determination and commitment from both seasoned soldiers and those being tested for the first time in their military careers."