A TERRITORIAL Army corporal who narrowly survived an ambush in Iraq in which three of his friends died has received a medal rewarding his service.

Northern Rail train driver Richard Lay, 39, received his Iraq Campaign Medal during a ceremony led by his commanding officer, Colonel Bill Warren of the Royal Military Police.

Richard, who is based at Blackpool North depot, was seriously injured when a convoy he was travelling in came under attack from insurgents near the city of Basra.

Three of his colleagues were killed in the ambush and Richard was left with a shattered arm and swelling to the brain.

After spending several days in hospital in Iraq he was flown home to Britain where he made a full recovery - despite contracting a form of MRSA along the way.

Speaking at the medal ceremony at Northern's Manchester office, Richard said : "It is wonderful to see Colonel Warren again and I'm delighted to receive this medal. "It's been a difficult 18 months, and I'm so glad to be back at work and with my family again.

"I lost three good friends in Iraq, but my family and work colleagues have been fantastic and helped me get back on my feet again."

Richard was also joined at the ceremony by his wife Janet, his daughters Olivia and Charlotte, Northern Driver Team Manager Garry Ray, as well as Provost Sergeant Major Eddie Evans and Colonel Peter Driver of the Territorial Army.

Colonel Warren said: "I am very pleased to be here today to present Richard with this medal.

"I am glad he has made a full recovery and is back doing the job he loves.

"His courage and determination to recover and get back to work should be applauded."

Richard, whose medal will be engraved with his name before it is returned to him, is now looking forward to spending more time with his family.

He added: "It's been tough but I'd like to put this behind me now and concentrate on my family and my job."