THE experience of a Hereford soldier who received a George Medal for his immense bravery in a minefield in Afghanistan is featured in a new film.

Described as 'excruciatingly tense' by the Telegraph, Kajaki, which was released last Friday, depicts the true story of a small unit of British soldiers who were positioned on a ridge overlooking the Kajaki dam in September 2006.

When a three-man patrol sets out to disable a Taliban roadblock, one soldier detonates a land mine in a dried out river bed at the foot of the ridge, blowing off his leg and setting into motion a desperate rescue mission.

In the hours that followed, several more bombs exploded – a reminder of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s – subsequently seriously injuring four and eventually killing Corporal Mark.

Lance Corporal Paul ‘Tug’ Hartley, 34, lives in Redhill, Hereford, and was a medic who helped to save the lives of his friends on that day.

He received a George Medal for his bravery but the father-of three said he didn't believe it when he heard the film was to be made.

"I thought it would be a channel four type film, not the monster it has turned out to be," said Mr Hartley.

"Everyone who has seen it has loved the truth, heroism and honesty that the film shows – not one bad word has been said about it."

Mr Hartley served 11 years in the military – six years as a royal engineer and five years as a combat medical technician in the RAMC – and now works for G4S Phoenix Close Protection Course which is based in Lugwardine.

Played by Game of Thrones actor Mark Stanley in the film, Mr Hartley, has been lauded a hero for his actions.

But he says he is "no hero".

"I was a soldier, and every soldier would have done the same," he added.

"There is a fine line between heroism and stupidity and every soldier would cross that line for their mates.

"I hope the public will see that soldiers are just normal people who grow such a bond between each other that is shown in the hardest of times.

"I also hope it shows the heroism of all the blokes who were there not just the guys who got gallantry medals."