A WAR hero from Selby is to mark the start of work on one of the biggest developments seen in the town for decades.

Lance Corporal Colin Spooner will cut the first sod at the site of the area’s new community hospital and civic centre complex in his home town next week.

The 22-year-old was awarded the Military Cross last year for his courage during a firefight in Afghanistan’s war-torn Helmand Province in October 2008.

This makes him one of the youngest soldiers to receive the honour in recent times.

L/Cpl Spooner, of 2nd Battalion The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, was leading a patrol attacked by 40 Taliban fighters last October, and as he relayed messages among his men, he was hit by 32 pieces of shrapnel.

Despite his injuries, he continued to issue orders and command the battle, knowing that if he collapsed it would put the lives of four stretcher-bearers at risk.

He will now take centre stage at Monday’s ceremony to celebrate the launch of work on the replacement for Selby War Memorial Hospital and Selby District Council’s new base in Doncaster Road.

L/Cpl Spooner said: “Selby’s my home town and I’m really pleased to be involved in the start of work on this development, which will mean a lot to people living around here.

“The existing War Memorial Hospital was built in the 1920s in memory of those who fought in the First World War. It’s got a long association with the military and I want to make sure that’s remembered with this new building too.”

Preparatory work on the Selby Community Project – scheduled for completion next summer, with the existing hospital and civic centre remaining open in the meantime – has been taking place for several weeks, but from next week Leeds-based BAM Construction will begin the main building process.

“We’re delighted L/Cpl Spooner has been able to join us to celebrate the start of the building work,” said Janet Probert, manager of NHS North Yorkshire and York Community and Mental Health Services, the council’s partner in the scheme.

“This project will deliver brand-new health facilities for local people as well as a new fit-for-purpose space for the district council.”

Council chairman Coun Ian Chilvers, who will also be involved in the ceremony, said: “L/Cpl Spooner is a young man that we can, and should, be very proud of here in Selby.”