Village Unveils Memorial To Fallen Paratrooper

Pte. Martin Bell, 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment

Plaque laid for Pte. Martin Bell in Haworth.

A plaque has been unveiled today for a Bradford soldier who was killed while saving a colleague in Afghanistan.

The stone is laid on Changegate in Haworth where Pte. Martin Bell, who was with 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, once served as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO).

The 24-year-old left such a lasting impact on the community a local craftsman donated the tribute.

At the time of his death, his mother and father, Elaine and Simon, said: "Martin was proud to be in the Parachute Regiment and serving his country. He served three years as a Police Community Support Officer in West Yorkshire Police before joining the Paras. "

"He had a wicked and infectious sense of humour that would have served him well in difficult times."

"Martin was a well-loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle and brother. He made us all very proud and he will leave behind a hole in all of our hearts that will never be replaced."

His family were in Haworth today along with West Yorkshire's Police Chief Constable Sir Norman Bettison.

It was also announced at the ceremony that a road will be named after Martin in Bradford.

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