Tribute planned for dead soldier

L/Cpl Kieron Hill was killed in May

The family of a Nottingham soldier killed in Afghanistan is a planning to put up a permanent memorial to him, on what would have been his 21st birthday.

L/Cpl Kieron Hill was killed in an explosion while on patrol with the 2nd Battalion the Mercian regiment at the end of May.

His family and Nottingham City Council want to put up a memorial in Clifton - to be unveiled on 18 April 2010.

It is thought it may also honour other local soldiers killed in the conflict.

It makes me feel that Kieron hasn't died in vain Vicki Holmes, mother

The planned monument would be situated in Clifton's main shopping area.

L/Cpl Hill's mother Vicki Holmes has already been in talks with Nottingham's lord mayor, who is backing the monument, which Nottingham City Council will pay for.

Ms Holmes said: "It would be a fitting tribute, for not only him but for others as well.

"It makes me feel that Kieron hasn't died in vain.

"I think it will inspire young people, especially all his friends, [it will be] somewhere for all his friends to come and sit and have a think about him and reminisce about him."