A MILITARY hero who was awarded an MBE for gallantry has died aged 63.

David Green, from Brinscall, was found dead in his home on Saturday afternoon.

Friends alerted police when Mr Green failed to turn up to his regular Friday night slot at his local pub, The Cricketers Arms, where he used to be the landlord.

Police forced their way into his home in School Lane, in the village, and found Mr Green lying dead in his bed.

The former member of the 1st Battalion of the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, was given a military MBE for gallantry for his services in Aden, in Yemen, in February 1967.

His military citation for the award, said: “In spite of numerous tricky and varied incidents throughout the period 10-13 February, Second Lieutenant Green was firmly in control of the situation.

"He undoubtedly prevented a nasty situation from developing and consequent bloodshed and loss of life among local inhabitants.

“This young officer without regard to his own safety, moved about his platoon area while under fire encouraging and controlling his men.

“Throughout the whole of this operation, Second Lieutenant Green’s personal courage, skill and resourcefulness were an inspiration to his platoon and an example set in the highest tradition of the service.”

Mr Green was more recently landlord of The Cricketers Arms, also in School Lane, Brinscall, for three years, before retiring six months ago in order to take care of his elderly mother.

His friend, Karen Ratcliffe, who raised the alarm, said: “We are all still very shocked.

"People will genuinely miss him because he was a real character who was very well known in the village because he was such a social creature.”

Barmaid, Kathleen Badkin, said: “He was a gentlemen and was always very courteous and forthright in his views.

“He was very good to work for and definitely still had the army in him with people calling him captain.”

Mr Green was also a fine arts dealer and in the past worked as an administrator for engineering company, Pipeline.

The cause of death has not been confirmed and an inquest will take place in the next few weeks.