A MUM says the memory of her soldier son who died in Afghanistan will live on after it was confirmed a road will be named after him thanks to the Echo.

Lieutenant Aaron Lewis, 26, will be honoured with a road on a new housing estate called Aaron Lewis Close, Hawkwell.

Earlier this year, the Government backed a scheme for local authorities to rename streets in honour of soldiers killed in the line of duty.

The Echo got in contact with developer David Wilson Homes to suggest the idea of naming a new road after Aaron and his mum Helen was delighted Rochford Council took the idea on board.

She said: “All of our family are very pleased the council is commemorating Aaron and the sacrifice he made.

“It means long after we’re all gone, this will be here in his memory.

“For the Government to suggest this initiative is a massive tribute to our fallen, and I’m happy this council took up the idea. It’s a very fitting tribute and one I’m sure Aaron would be humble of.

“The fact the Echo thought of Aaron when this was announced underpins the fact people are always thinking about him to keep his memory alive. It was the first I’d heard of the scheme when the Echo got in contact with us.”

Lt Lewis, of Rectory Avenue, Rochford, was fatally wounded while serving in 29 Commando Regiment, Royal Artillery, when the gun position he was commanding in the Gereshk area of Helmand province came under attack in December 2008.

Names for the roads at the Christmas Tree Farm development, which will see 175 homes built in Hawkwell, were confirmed this week.

The MP for nearby Rayleigh and Wickford, Mark Francois, contacted Mrs Lewis and her husband Barry about the idea of paying tribute to their son with a street name.

John Mason, councillor for the ward where the homes are being built in Hawkwell West, said he and wife and fellow councillor Christine had been consulting with Rochford Council and David Wilson Homes over the street names, and was delighted this tribute could be paid.

He added: “It’s a fantastic tribute which can belong to the whole district.

“It’s appropriate for the district to recognise Aaron’s legacy and the sacrifice he made going to war.”