Bravery soldier in FA Cup honour

Pte Copping said he was thrilled to be given the honour at Wembley

A 22-year-old soldier from Kent who received the Military Cross for bravery was chosen to carry the FA Cup in the final of the football competition.

Private Ryan Copping, from the Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment, made the ceremonial appearance at Wembley.

He carried out the Cup before the Portsmouth v Cardiff match, and at the end presented it to the Royal Box.

Pte Copping, of Folkestone, was awarded the Military Cross by the Queen for bravery during active service in Iraq.

He has served with the 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment (1 PWRR) for four years and was honoured after the armoured vehicle he was driving in Iraq came under fire in 2006.

Speaking before the FA Cup final, he said he was "feeling nervous" about appearing in front of thousands of people, but was thrilled and honoured to have been selected.

"I think the whole experience will be just as daunting as meeting the Queen."

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