Published: Thursday, 25th June, 2009 4:47pm

Special treat for our heroes

by Jonathan Kelly

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UNSUNG heroes who fought to defend their country were the guests of honour at Royal Ascot on Wednesday.

Five soldiers out of the hundreds who were nominated by their Regimental Sergeant Majors were picked to share a free private box complete with four course lunch at the prestigious event.

Lance Corporal Jay Ashford, of the Household Cavalry, was nominated for his bravery under fire in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, when he got out of his vehicle while being ambushed by the Taleban to tow a comrade"s broken down 4x4 patrol vehicle to safety.

He said: 'A Jackal broke down while we were surrounded by the Taleban and under fire. Myself and another Lance Corporal connected it to the back of our wagon to tow it away, but the rope snapped. So I got out under fire and re-attached it and towed it out of there.'

The modest officer who lives in Castle Hill, Windsor, is still amazed that he was nominated. He added: 'It was quite a surprise to get nominated and I feel that everyone in my troop deserves to be here. Every soldier is an unsung hero, but the real heroes are the ones who don"t come back. We know it"s a risk, but it"s our job at the end of the day.'

Along with the other soldiers L Cpl Ashford was chosen for the trip to the races by Sandhurst Academy"s Sergeant Major Peter Carr and Ronnie Wilkie, Operations Director of Ascot, as part of the News-backed Value For Valour campaign that aims to support returning troops.

Speaking about his trip to Ascot L Cpl Ashford said: 'It"s been brilliant. I worked in a beer tent here in 2006 but to be in a box is just brilliant. I want to thank Ronnie for a fantastic day. Value For Value is a great idea.'