Mikhail Kalashnikov, creator of the AK-47 family of assault rifles, has died aged 94. Born on November 10th 1919, the son of Siberian peasants, Mikhail was still in his 20s and recovering from his experiences as a decorated soldier in world war two when he designed his simple, sturdy rifle as a competition entry held by the Soviet military in 1946. Over 100 million would be produced. Although he never profited from his invention, Kalashnikov was lauded as a hero of the USSR and of Russia. On his 90th birthday in 2009, President Dmitry Medvedev bestowed upon him the highest state honour - the Hero of Russia gold star medal. Report by Sam Datta-Paulin.