A BRADFORD soldier who died in Afghanistan will be honoured with a street named after him.

Sergeant Peter Anthony Rayner from 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, was killed while serving in Afghanistan in October 2010.

On Thursday members of Bradford Council’s Bradford South Area Committee will decide whether to name a street on a new housing development after the hero.

If approved, the development of four houses off Abb Scott Lane, Low Moor, would be known as “Skippys Close” - a reference to Sergeant Rayner’s nickname.

It would be the latest street to be named after a fallen soldier from Bradford, and follows a campaign to remember those who have died while serving in recent conflicts.

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During his time in the army Sgt Rayner, a loyal Bradford City fan, also served in Bosnia and Macedonia.

He was killed when he was struck by an improvised explosive device whilst leading his men on patrol in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province.

Council leaders have voiced support for the scheme, but it has to be voted through by the local area committee.

When he died the Ministry of Defence said: “His bravery and courage attracted much praise and he cemented a reputation as one of the best Javelin Commanders in the Army.”

Sgt Rayner’s widow Wendy has written to the committee saying: “A great husband and father everyone knew him for the commitment and love he had towards his family and his extended military family.

“A lot of the young soldiers and Fiji soldiers called him dad, as he guided and led them well.

“He was full of pride for the job he did protecting our country and his aim on firing a missile was spot on. He hit his target every time, but he had compassion for the locals who lived in these foreign lands. He’d always say not everyone’s a bad person, he was a good man taken too soon.

“His nickname within his time serving was Skippy, this was as he used to tut a lot.

“I’m just delighted that you are considering naming a street after my late husband. It’s a privilege and total honour, it really is.

“It is another way of making sure he’s never forgotten and that he paid the ultimate sacrifice.”

Councillor Dave Green (Lab, Wibsey) said: “We have been trying to identify a new development near where Sgt Rayner lived, and this recently came up.

“The Council does try to do this for the families and friends of soldiers if that is what they wish.

“Calling it Skippys Close will mean a lot to the people who knew him.”

If the committee do not approve the name Skippys Close, then road would be called Mineral Close.

The committee meets in Bradford City Hall at 5pm on Thursday.