POIGNANT and moving tributes were paid to Scartho soldier Matthew Telford at a special ceremony to name a road in his honour.
Scartho Park, a street which runs through Scartho Top, has been renamed Matthew Telford Park and a plaque has been unveiled as a memorial.
Sergeant Telford, 37, of the 1st Battalion the Grenadier Guards, was one of five British soldiers killed in an attack in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, on November 3, 2009.
Now, his memory will continue to live on through the newly-renamed Matthew Telford Park.
Dozens of local people and representatives of many organisations turned out to pay their respects to Sergeant Telford at a solemn ceremony and parade.
A service followed at Scartho cemetery, including prayers, the Last Post, a minute's silence, a Pipers' Lament, a Reveille, the placing of wreaths, a blessing and the National Anthem.
Sgt Telford's widow, Kerry Telford, 37, told the Grimsby Telegraph: "It's very humbling to see lots of people here.
"It's a nice memorial, and it's something we can drive past every day.
"It's an honour but it's an honour we could do without really because Matthew is not here now.
"It's a nice recognition of him. They used to name streets after soldiers years ago."
Sergeant Telford's two sons, Harry, 8, a pupil of Springfield Primary School, Scartho, and Callum, 14, who lives in London, were also present for the ceremony.
Harry said he was "happy" and "proud" at the honour received by his father.
Callum said: "It's a good idea. It's remembering what he has done for the country. It's something to make us proud."
Sergeant Telford's mother, Cheryl Telford, of New Waltham, said: "We are grateful as a family that the town has paid this tribute. It's a memorial, a war memorial.
"When people drive by, they will know it's a for a man who was in the Armed Forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of his country.
"It's a proud day for us. It's fitting because next year is 100 years since the start of the First World War."
Sergeant Telford's father, Ronald Telford, said: "Respect to the people of Grimsby and Cleethorpes for supporting this memorial day and we would like to thank them for coming.
"It will make sure that his memory goes on. They might have taken our son away but they will never take our memories away."
Deputy Mayor, Councillor Alex Baxter, who is Armed Forces champion for North East Lincolnshire, told the gathering that the naming of the street would provide an "immortal" and "lasting" memory for someone who had "fallen in action and done his duty".
Brigadier Greville Bibby, commander of 15 (North East) Brigade, told those watching the ceremony: "This is a huge honour bestowed upon a great man and his family.
"The most important thing for me is that, once again, it shows a community that has rallied round and recognised the service that one of your own has given – and what greater honour can there be to name a street, a park, after one of our fallen brave soldiers?
"On behalf of the Grenadier Guards and on behalf of the Army, I would like to thank you all for the continued support you show us.
"I would like to thank North East Lincolnshire Council for bestowing this great honour on the Telford family.
"It's something I will personally never forget being part of."
Brian Gillie, part of the security for Armed Forces events team in Cleethorpes, said: "It just shows how good the support is for the Forces from the point of view of the public."
He said it was an important day and it was good that people knew about and were reminded about the casualties in Afghanistan.
Brian Dingley, chairman of the Grimsby and Cleethorpes branch of the Parachute Regiment Association, said: "We are very proud to be taking part in this event. It's a very worthy cause.
"Matthew Telford was an extremely well-liked and loved local lad. We are pleased to be here to pay tribute to him and his family."
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