The mother of a soldier commended for his bravery in Afghanistan has spoken of her pride of his selfless actions.

Rifleman Peter Matthews, from Saltash, was honoured for his bravery after repeatedly risking his own life to save those of his comrades. The 21-year-old, who has had to deal with the deaths of several friends in action, received the Queen's Commendation for Bravery.

His mother, Rose Lucas, told the Cornish Times he had had some 'really close shaves' himself, once when the tank he was in was blown up and another time when he had a grenade thrown at him.

She said: 'He is bold – I think he thinks he is invincible and so he doesn't think about doing it. I couldn't believe it when he told me he was receiving this. I told him it was wonderful. It makes it all worthwhile.'

The former Saltash.net Community School pupil served with 3rd Battalion The Rifles in Afghanistan, but has recently transferred to 4th Battalion The Rifles to be closer to his family.

In late 2009 Rifleman Matthews organised a three-man team to cross ground that had not yet been cleared of IEDs (improvised explosive devices) to recover a casualty and also led the extraction of his two colleagues who were assisting him.

In another incident he administered lifesaving first aid to two casualties until a medic arrived on the scene.

In early 2010 Rifleman Matthews was first on the scene when an Afghan solider stood on an IED.

He administered first aid to the injured soldier, while under fire from the enemy, almost certainly saving his life.

His citation states: 'To carry out such actions would be noteworthy; to have done this three times is quite extraordinary. His behaviour throughout has been utterly selfless. And he has done it all in the face of a persistent enemy threat that has been both seen and unseen, across a time period that would have worn down a lesser man. Such consistent and repeated acts of bravery, professional skill, initiative and, particularly, leadership totally unexpected of one so young and inexperienced, deserves singular recognition.'

The mayor of Saltash Adam Killeya said: 'The whole town of Saltash is proud of all its service personnel who are risking their lives for our freedom. My warmest congratulations go to Rifleman Peter Matthews and his family.'

Headteacher at Saltash.net Community School Isobel Bryce said: 'The whole school community is enormously proud of Peter and so pleased that his courage and bravery are being recognised nationally. His selflessness in the call of duty is an inspiration to us all.'