A PARATROOPER who was killed in Afghanistan is to be honoured with a street named in his memory.

Private Jeff Doherty, who was known as JJ and was from Southam, near Coventry, Warwickshire, served in Colchester's 2nd Batallion the Parachute Regiment and was deployed to the UK's combat operations in Afghanistan, known as Operation Herrick.

After a long campaign, a street in Pte Doherty’s hometown will be named Doherty Court in recognition of his sacrifice after losing his life aged just 20 in 2008.

Many of the fallen from Operation Herrick have had streets named after them in lasting tribute.

Unfortunately, the local authority was unable to grant the request initially because of policy issues, but a petition which was signed by thousands of people enabled a change in policy.

JJ died when his platoon came under Taliban fire in the Upper Gereshk Valley in Helmand Province, just two days after his 20th birthday.

He left behind his doting brother Fin, who was just six years old at the time, and idolised Jeff.

Fin followed in his brother's footsteps and joined the Parachute Regiment a few years ago after being named best recruit at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, inheriting his brother’s iconic maroon beret.

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Speaking in a BBC documentary in 2019, Pte Doherty said: “I couldn’t think of a better job than doing something that I think matters, especially for something my brother laid down his life for.

“To wear that maroon cap, there’s no greater pride.

Gazette: Proud - Private Fin Doherty has followed in his brother's footstepsProud - Private Fin Doherty has followed in his brother's footsteps (Image: The Parachute Regiment)

“I’d rather have what happened to him happen to me at the same age than live to 100 and never do it because that pride of being a paratrooper is everything.

“There’s nothing more in this world that I want, and that’s the mentality you’ve got to have.”

Following his son’s death, JJ’s dad, also named Jeff, set up JJ's Memorial Fund to raise money for military charities.

Speaking in the BBC documentary, Jeff said: “I am proud like you wouldn’t believe. [Fin] has worked so hard.

“But it is bittersweet for me. It does make you think - what if lightning can strike twice?

“That does not take away from how proud I am of Fin and delighted he is able to get his own recognition.”