A LASTING memorial to Private Aaron McClure is set to be established at his former school in tribute.Christopher Edwards, head teacher at Westbourne High School, today spoke of his devastation about the untimely death of the 19-year-old in Afghanistan.

A LASTING memorial to Private Aaron McClure is set to be established at his former school in tribute.

Christopher Edwards, head teacher at Westbourne High School, today spoke of his devastation about the untimely death of the 19-year-old in Afghanistan.

Pte McClure joined Westbourne High School from Springfield Junior School, where he went on to achieve five A* to C grades at GCSEs. He stayed on to the sixth form to study PE, ICT and science until he was old enough to enlist.

Mr Edwards said: “As a school we were devastated to hear the news of Aaron's sad loss in Afghanistan.

“His death is a tremendous loss and he will be sadly missed, but we are very proud of him and what he achieved in his tragically short life. He was a real star.

“We will be planning a suitable lasting memorial to Aaron in the school after discussion with his family who are very much in our thoughts at this time.”

The keen student was popular with fellow pupils and teachers alike, and even visited his old school before he went to Afghanistan in March this year.

In his last year at the school, he was presented with the prestigious Lord Bambridge Kiddy Award for Significant Sporting Progress, and head of PE, Danny Payne, described him as “a real team player-the sort of person who would run through a brick wall for you.”

Mr Edwards added: “All the teachers I have been able to speak to so far remember him as one of the nicest students they have taught, always smiling and helpful. He was very active and keen on sports.

“We will remember Aaron as always helpful to others and always willing to put himself out.”