THE youngest Bradford soldier to be killed while serving in Afghanistan will have a road named after him.

Private Christopher Kershaw, 19, was one of six soldiers who died when their Warrior armoured car was blown up by a bomb planted by the Taliban in southern Afghanistan in March 2012.

The road, to be called Christopher’s Court, will be on the site formerly occupied by three blocks of flats, Garrowby House, Queensway House and Oakwood House, off Thorp Garth, which has been redeveloped into 22 homes by social housing group Incommunities.

Pte Kershaw’s family put forward the suggestion to honour him and contacted Councillor Dominic Fear (Lib Dem, Idle and Thackley) who successfully pressed Bradford Council to agree to it.

A ceremony to dedicate the road in his name will now be held on Sunday, September 18, with representatives of the Yorkshire Regiment, with which Pte Kershaw served, and dignitaries, including the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Geoff Reid, due to attend.

Pte Kershaw’s mother Monica Kershaw said: “I’m really, really proud.

“I’m looking forward to the day and having it all done.

“At least it is now somewhere people can live there and realise all about Christopher and know his background. It will be his legacy.”

Major Charlie Helmn, of the Yorkshire Regiment, paid tribute to the Kershaw family’s courage and said his comrades were looking forward to honouring him.

He said: “It’s really good that they are honouring him in this way.

“I know that the family are really appreciative of it and I’m sure it will be an emotional day for them.”

Cllr Fear said the road naming will prove a lasting legacy to the soldier.

He added: “This will celebrate Christopher’s life and his connection to the local area and his lasting impact and legacy.

“Christopher’s family has shown courage in doing this. It is something good for the area too. It’s great news. I’m really happy to be a part of it too.”

Pte Kershaw, a former pupil of Hanson School in Swain House, who grew up near the new development.

He is buried in Idle, where he spent most of his teenage years.

On his gravestone in Holy Trinity Church are carved the words: “A Yorkshire boy who became a Yorkshire man. Gone but never forgotten”.

Pte Kershaw's ambition to serve his country started when he became an Army cadet based at Thornbury barracks.

His family said he made himself super-fit to achieve his goal of joining the 3rd Yorks Regiment.