The Hoxton man credited with saving a Hampshire village from destruction by diverting a wayward tank was given a certificate for his bravery.

Former National Serviceman Malcolm Trevor Bignall, 20, received a standing ovation as he entered the Shoreditch Council meeting on crutches accompanied by his wife. Mr Bignall, of Evelyn Court, Murray Grove, Hoxton, had been in Barts hospital for five months after the incident. The Gazette failed to mention how the tank came to be out of control.

Cllr Samuels described the epic story. “Although injured by parts of the vehicle which broke apart and struck his legs, he managed to steer this colossus of a vehicle into a field where it crashed into a tree.

“But for his presence of mind and devotion to duty there would undoubtedly have been serious damage to the village and possible loss of life. His action can perhaps be called a symbol of what people are capable of today.”

Mr Bignall who still skin grafts, didn’t expect to return to work as a glass silverer for another year.

He had already been given a British Empire Medal from the Queen.