A backpacker from Congleton has been given one of Australia's highest bravery awards after he was tragically killed trying to save a fellow traveller almost five years ago.

Tom Jackson, 30, of Congleton, was fatally wounded when he tried to save Mia Ayliffe-Chung during an attack at an Australian hostel, in Queensland, on 23rd August 2016.

He has now been posthumously awarded the Star of Courage by David Hurley, the Governor General of Australia.

The awards are designed to recognise the 'courage and service' to the community of Australia.

In the late evening of 23 August 2016, Smail Ayad armed with a large knife dragged Mia Ayliffe-Chung from her bed at the hostel and out onto a balcony.

He held the knife to her throat and told other guests who had now gathered to leave the area.

On hearing the commotion, the hostel manager appeared on the balcony and began to approach the armed offender.

Another guest arrived and pleaded with Smail Ayad to drop the weapon.

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The offender inflicted a wound to Mia Ayliffe-Chung and, after she fell to the floor, he continued to assault her with the knife.

The hostel manager attempted to reach Mia but was wounded in the leg by the offender.

Mia got to her feet and ran down a corridor towards the safety of a bathroom. She was followed by another guest who had called 000.

Speaking about Tom's heroic act, Mr Hurley's office said: "Without thinking of his own safety, Mr Jackson ran upstairs to the bathroom to assist the injured woman.

"After applying pressure to her substantial wounds, Mr Jackson and the other man began to move her from the cubicle and out of the bathroom.

"On opening the door to the bathroom, Mr Jackson was confronted by the armed offender. He attempted to close the door, but the offender kicked it open and entered the bathroom.

"The offender began to assault Mr Jackson with the knife, inflicting severe wounds. The other guest quickly left the bathroom, yelling for assistance.

"Police arrived at the scene and apprehended the offender. Paramedics also arrived and began treating Mr Jackson and the injured woman.

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"Sadly, Mr Jackson and the young woman did not survive their injuries."

Smail Ayad was deemed unfit to face a trial by the Australian courts and was detained in a psychiatric ward.

Tom was among 111 people who were given awards by Mr Hurley's central office yesterday, with only one other person being awarded the Star of Courage.