A baggage handler who helped a police officer who was being attacked by a terrorist at Glasgow airport has been presented with the Queen’s Gallantry Medal.

John Smeaton, 31, said that receiving the award from the Queen was the proudest moment of his life.

He said: “The Queen was very nice. She asked me if it was scary that day and I said it was. It’s magnificent being here. What more can you say about Buck Palace? It’s a magnificent experience receiving this medal.”

On June 30 Mr Smeaton saw a Jeep crashing into the airport terminal. When he saw one of its occupants attacking the police officer, he ran to help. The Jeep was found later to be packed with explosive material.

Angus Campbell, who confronted a failed suicide bomber on July 21, 2005, also received the Queen’s Gallantry Medal. Mr Campbell, 44, confronted Ramzi Mohammed on a Northern Line Tube train when his explosive-packed rucksack failed to detonate. He ushered a woman and her baby from the train and shouted at the bomber.

Paul Humphrey, 44, received the Queen’s Gallantry Medal and Gary Wright, 39, was awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery. The explosives experts defused bombs that were planted inside two cars in the West End of London on June 29 last year.

George Alagiah, the BBC news presenter, was appointed OBE for services to journalism. Mr Alagiah, 52, said that he felt “hugely honoured”.

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