A Kirkby soldier who lost his life in Afghanistan is to be remembered through a street name.

Rifleman Adrian Sheldon (above), a member of 2nd Battalion The Rifles, was aged 25 when he died during the conflict in May 2009 after an explosion in Helmand Province.

Now his name will live on after Ashfield District Council agreed to name a new street off Central Avenue, Kingsway, in his memory.

The road is close to the town’s war memorial and Kingsway Cemetery, where Adrian is buried.

Conservative councillors Chris Baron and Phil Rostance submitted a motion to the council asking for the naming honour.

Council leader Coun Jason Zadrozny said: “have been speaking to the family of Rfn Sheldon. I’m pleased to say they are delighted to accept a street we are building on the end of Central Avenue, Kingsway, directly next to the war memorial and opposite his final resting place.”

Adrian’s father, Mark Sheldon, said the honour would give his family, friends and former Servicemen another way to remember him.

“It helps his name live on and makes you feel a bit humbled that people want to do that for him,” he added.