Hawkesbury garden dedicated to Sgt Simon Valentine

Sgt Simon Valentine died in August 2009

A garden dedicated to a soldier killed in Afghanistan has been officially opened in a Warwickshire village.

Sergeant Simon Valentine, 29, of Bedworth, died after being injured in an explosion near Sangin, in 2009.

The memorial garden in Ironbridge Way, Hawkesbury, will remember the soldier and celebrate his life, said the village residents' association.

A play area in Miners' Welfare Park, Bedworth, has also been named "Simon's" after Sgt Valentine.

Members of 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers took part in the ceremonies

Hawkesbury Village Residents' Association said it worked closely with members of Sgt Valentine's family and the borough council on the garden project.

The garden contains totem poles inscribed with words chosen by his family.

There are also words from Sarah Fullarton who lives in Hawkesbury, whose brother L/Cpl James Fullarton, was also killed in Afghanistan in August 2009.

Sgt Valentine's relatives and members of his regiment took part in the opening ceremonies on Saturday afternoon.