A disabled war hero who fought a high-profile battle with council bosses to build a specially-adapted bungalow has received the freedom of his home borough.

Royal Marine Joe Townsend, 21, was awarded the Freedom of Eastbourne Borough at a special ceremony last night for his bravery on the frontline and his determination to rebuild his life.

He said: “I feel honoured to be presented with this award. I am only one of many service personnel returning to the UK with similar life changing injuries, but it is nice to see that the hard work and determination we have to muster is recognised.”

Mr Townsend was serving with Marines from 40 Commando in Afghanistan's Helmand Province in February 2008 when he trod on an anti-tank mine and suffered horrific injuries.

He lost both legs, one completely and one to the knee, forcing him to be confined to a wheelchair.

Mr Townsend, who attended Eastbourne's Ratton School, faced a 12 hours of surgery after the explosion before being flown back to Britain for months of treatment and rehabilitation.

Back home though he faced a stand-off with Wealden District Council after plans to build a special home for him were rejected.

The council eventually approved revised plans after Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Tory leader David Cameron added their voice to huge public support for Mr Townsend.