THE name of a 23-year-old soldier shot dead in Iraq will live on for generations after a community named a street in his honour.

Lance Corporal Ben Hyde, pictured below, from Northallerton, was one of six Royal Military Policemen killed by an Iraqi mob in a police station in Majar Al Kabir in 2003.

The Northern Echo: MURDERED IN IRAQ: Ben Hyde

Following his death, his parents John and Sandra Hyde set up a trust in their son’s name raising thousands of pounds for charity and working tirelessly to keep their son’s name alive.

John Hyde said the unveiling of Ben Hyde Way - at the entrance to a major new housing development at Castlegate, Northallerton - would have made his son “immensely proud.”

“Something like this is just incredible, this will be here long after we are gone, it means his memory and his name lives on."

Mr Hyde said it was fitting the road should be off Yafforth road, opposite the former Mount maternity home where Ben was born and B&Q, where he worked before joining the army.

The new development of 240 homes is being built by Barratt and David Wilson Homes. Managing Director Paul Newman said they agreed without hesitation to the request to name the entrance road after L Cpl Hyde.

He added: "This was a sincere request from members of Ben’s family and the community of Northallerton, and it is fitting that we should remember those who gave their lives for the freedom of us all. ”

Northallerton councillor Tony Hall said the town had very much supported John and Sandra Hyde since Ben’s tragic death.

“This is something we have wanted to do for a long time and this is the first really major housing development in Northallerton since 2003. The object is to keep Ben’s name alive as often and as long as we can and this is a significant way of doing that,“ he added.

Royal Military Police representative Major Kris Rotchell said it was an important memorial for Ben, his family, the town and the wider military community.

“Especially at this time of year when we are coming up to Remembrance Sunday, it is fitting for the community to remember our fallen servicemen from 100 years ago and those who have died more recently, we are so grateful.

“So many people will see the road name as they come into Northallerton particularly coming from Catterick Garrison, it is a real tribute to Ben.”