A bravery award made to SAS hero Brad Tinnion, from Harrogate, who was killed rescuing hostages in war-torn Sierra Leone, has been condemned as an insult by the town's MP.

Trooper Tinnion, 28, who died from his wounds after a fierce gun battle with rebels in the West African country last September, was mentioned in despatches in the Ministry of Defence operational honours for 2001.

He was shot in the back by the enemy as the SAS and 150 paratroopers successfully stormed the jungle base of the West Side Boys militia, who had been holding six Royal Irish Regiment soldiers captive.

His award is one of the lowest possible for bravery. Other members of the Operation Barrass team were awarded the Military Cross, the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal - which is second only to the Victoria Cross - the Distinguished Service Order, MBE, Distinguished Flying Cross and the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service.

Harrogate MP Phil Willis said: "I think when somebody has been killed in action in such heroic circumstances it is rather a slight that they don't receive a major bravery award.

"I certainly think Brad's family feel they have been very much let down throughout the whole of this. They felt let down in the way they were treated after his death by the MoD and the regiment itself. They were given less than the courteous support they needed. It all leaves a very sour taste."

Mr Willis said he was awaiting answers to questions he had asked of defence minister Geoff Hoon. He wants to know what happened with certain protocol following Brad's death.

He said the family, including Brad's mother, Phyllis Collins, had felt pushed out of the military funeral proceedings, which were held near the crack regiment's base at RAF Credenhill, in Hereford.

Updated: 10:58 Friday, April 06, 2001