A SOLDIER killed while serving in Afghanistan will live long in the memory in his hometown after a street was named in his honour.

Warrant Officer Second Class Charles Henry Wood was killed by a bomb blast in 2010 while leading an expedition to clear improvised explosive devices from a route through the Khushdal Kalay area of the Helmand River Valley.

The 34-year-old Middlesbrough fan, who joined the forces as a 17-year-old, was described by his mum Barbara Nicholson as “loved by everyone”.

A keen sportsman and charity fundraiser, in the year prior to his death WO Wood led both a 24-hour rowing challenge that raised £5,500 for Help for Heroes and had run 1km for every soldier killed in Afghanistan, in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund.

Now 26 new homes stand on Charlie Wood Way, a new housing development built by Erimus Housing, just off Union Street in Middlesbrough, which is round the corner from where he was raised.

Erimus Housing and Middlesbrough Council have now installed a replica road sign in his proud mum’s garden.

Ms Nicholson, 59, said The Forces Support Charity would soon be carrying our more work in her garden, including a rockery and flower beds

“The whole garden will be a tribute,” said the grandmother. “I would rather have Charlie back; there is nothing that could compare. His dad died a year later of a broken heart.

“But this is great and it is great for the grandchildren to see every day because they adored him.”

Chris Smith, lead executive for Erimus Housing, said: “We’re grateful to be able to have the opportunity to show our appreciation for those who gave their lives for their country and of course, their families.

"The least we can do is to ensure that Charlie is never forgotten in his home town."