THE wife of a “selfless” bomb disposal expert killed in Afghanistan has been given a posthumous medal.

Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) Charlie Wood, from Middlesbrough, died after he was caught in a bomb blast on December 28, last year.

It was only three days after he had organised Christmas dinner and an appearance by Father Christmas for his men, as well as the clearance of a 20kg bomb.

His widow, Heather, was presented with the Elizabeth Cross by The Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Tim Stevenson.

The ceremony was held at St David’s Barracks, Bicester, where WO2 Wood was based with 23 Pioneer Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps.

Mrs Wood said she was immensely proud of her late husband and had found the ceremony extremely moving.

She said: “It was very emotional because being presented with the Elizabeth Cross is a sign of recognition for families.

“I am very, very proud of Charlie and everything he did and his career in the British Army.”

The 34-year-old was caught in a bomb blast as he led the clearance of a route through the Khushdal Kalay area of the Helmand River Valley, in southern Afghanistan.

He joined the Army in 1994 and had also served in Iraq and Bosnia.

He was sent to Afghanistan on November 6 as an advanced search advisor, trained to co-ordinate the detection of bombs.

The commanding officer of 23 Pioneer Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Dominic Fletcher, described WO2 Wood as a complete professional.

His citation read: “As a committed and loyal soldier, he was the consumate professional and a role model of the highest calibre, who always strived to lead from the front and by example.”

WO2Wood left his wife, his mother and father, Barbara and John, and sisters Samantha and Amanda.

Lt Col Fletcher said: “Throughout the years, he was renowned for his excellent sporting prowess and for his numerous fundraising activities, which raised many thousands of pounds benefiting forces charities “He was hard-working and talented and had a totally selfless attitude to everything he turned his hand to.

“He always thought of the safety and wellbeing of his soldiers and others first.”

The Elizabeth Cross is presented on behalf of the Queen to the families of Armed Forces personnel killed in action.