A TEENAGE soldier who lost his life fighting for his country in Iraq was honoured by family, friends and fellow servicemen as a new road was named after him.

A bugler played The Last Post as the memorial to Kingsman Jamie Hancock was unveiled in Hindley Green on Tuesday.

Jamie’s family, friends and representatives from his regiment, the 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, gathered at the end of the newly-named Hancock Close.

A memorial stone was unveiled in tribute to Jamie, a ‘local lad killed in action’ in 2006, aged just 19.

Leigh Journal: The memorial stone at Hancock CloseThe memorial stone at Hancock Close

Jamie’s father Eddie said: “My son would be the last person to look at himself as a hero.

“I am incredibly proud of him but he just did what anyone would do in that situation. He was a young lad who was doing the very best he could. He gave 100 per cent when it came to his work.

“The only other thing he tried that hard at was wrecking cars. I remember he had just got a new car and got it through its MOT. I opened the boot and in it was what looked like an oil drum.

“Apparently it was a speaker but the wire to it looked like something from the national grid. The first time he turned the radio on it flattened his battery and broke the back window. He was that kind of guy and despite what happened I wouldn’t miss a memory.

“The ceremony was very moving. No one wants to see their son or daughter’s name on a memorial stone but it is nice to know that he will be remembered.

“The army have been very supportive, some of the lads here today served with Jamie. It is nice to know that they won’t be going back to Afghanistan again.”

The former Hesketh Fletcher High School pupil died when he came under fire manning a watch tower in Basra in November 2006.

He was wearing body armour, but a bullet entered the armhole of his sleeveless protector.

Leigh Journal: Major George Briscoe laid a wreath of poppies at the foot of the stoneMajor George Briscoe laid a wreath of poppies at the foot of the stone

Major George Briscoe laid a wreath of poppies at the foot of the stone. He said: “Obviously this means a lot to the people of this area, for one of their lads.

“His parents were thrilled with what has gone on today. This will always be here and ensure that the people of this community never forget Jamie.”

A remembrance message on the wreath laid by Major Briscoe read: “Never forgotten, brother in arms.”