A Suffolk soldier has been praised for his work in saving the life of a stabbing victim in Ipswich.

East Anglian Daily Times: Crowds lined the streets to watch the Freedom of the Town of Woodbridge to 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNCrowds lined the streets to watch the Freedom of the Town of Woodbridge to 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Corporal Joe Lovell, 29, provided lifesaving first aid to a man who was stabbed last April outside the Best Kebabs shop in Dogs Head Street while he was off duty.

Corporal Lovell was presented with a Chief of the General Staff’s Commendation for his work that night as his regiment, the 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment, paraded through Woodbridge.

Corporal Lovell said: “I was heading back from a night out and saw a fight break out in front of me and a young man got stabbed in the neck three times.

“It was a stressful situation, but my training took over and I just got involved and did what I could to stop his bleeding.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Crowds lined the streets to watch the Freedom of the Town of Woodbridge to 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNCrowds lined the streets to watch the Freedom of the Town of Woodbridge to 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

The award citation handed to Cpl Lovell read: The award citation stated: “His actions undoubtedly prevented loss of life that night and were in the highest traditions of the Army.”

Corporal Lovell has previously been recognised by High Sheriff of Suffolk, Geoffrey Probert.

This latest award was presented after the regiment was cheered through Woodbridge, exercising its freedom of the town.

Yesterday’s parade was conducted to mark the regiments 15th anniversary.

East Anglian Daily Times: Corporal Jay Lovell received an award for assisting with a stabbing in Ipswich in 2017 Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNCorporal Jay Lovell received an award for assisting with a stabbing in Ipswich in 2017 Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

The regiment are based at Rock Barracks in Woodbridge since 2006. having been formed in 2003 to take part in the Iraq War.

They have since taken part in three tours of Afghanistan, supported peacekeeping in the Sinai Peninsula and carried out hurricane relief in the Caribbean.

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Carvel, Commanding Officer of 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment, said: “It’s a huge privilege for the Regiment to exercise the Freedom of Woodbridge and it has been a wonderful occasion to mark our fifteenth anniversary.

“We have a wonderful relationship with Woodbridge and draw strength from the public support received today, and every day from the local community.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Crowds watch Corporal Jay Lovell receive his commendation Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNCrowds watch Corporal Jay Lovell receive his commendation Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Mayor of Woodbridge David Mortimer was in attendance at the parade and took the salute.

He said: “Woodbridge has a long connection with the military and we are massively proud to have the soldiers of 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment and their families as part of the town.”

The celebrations will continue at Rock Barracks today with a free open day taking place between 11am and 3pm.

East Anglian Daily Times: Soldiers parading through Woodbridge Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNSoldiers parading through Woodbridge Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)