Street name honour for soldier killed in Afghanistan

Susan Brelsford attended the unveiling alongside Broxtowe mayor Robert Bullock

The mother of a soldier who died while serving in Afghanistan has said she is "enormously proud" after a street sign was unveiled in his memory.

Sgt Craig Brelsford, from Chilwell, Nottinghamshire, was killed in action on 8 September 2007 when his patrol was attacked by Taliban fighters in the early hours of the morning.

The new Brelsford Close, opened by Broxtowe Borough Council and Keepmoat Limited, is located on the Sherwin Gardens estate in Bramcote.

Susan Brelsford said: "He gave his life trying to protect others and I'm delighted that his legacy will live on."

In the Ministry of Defence report following his death, Sgt Brelsford was described by colleagues as "hugely popular"

Sgt Brelsford, who served in the 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters), was awarded a posthumous Military Cross for his bravery during the attack, which also killed another solider and critically injured two more.

The 25-year-old had been trying to rescue an injured colleague when it happened.

Broxtowe mayor Robert Bullock said he was pleased to be able to honour Sgt Brelsford.

"It took about five years to get to this point, partly because we were trying to find the right location, and partly because you've always got red tape," he said.

"He was obviously a born leader, very highly respected, and it was wonderful to speak to his mother about him."

Adam Sharpe, managing director at Keepmoat which built the estate, said Sgt Brelsford's sacrifice would be remembered "for generations" as a result of the sign.