THE body of Dagenham hero Martin Kinggett was repatriated after his tragic death in Afghanistan last week. Rifleman Kinggett, of Bennett s Castle Lane, Dagenham, was killed by a gunshot wound while providing cover for colleagues in Sangin, Afghanistan, on

THE body of Dagenham hero Martin Kinggett was repatriated after his tragic death in Afghanistan last week.

Rifleman Kinggett, of Bennett's Castle Lane, Dagenham, was killed by a gunshot wound while providing cover for colleagues in Sangin, Afghanistan, on Thursday (February 25).

His body arrived at Wootton Bassett on Friday (March 4), hundreds of residents paid their respects.

The 19-year-old soldier attended the Warren School in Whalebone Lane North from the age of 11.

Warren's Headteacher, Ken Jones, told parents and carers: "It is with sadness that The Warren School has to report having heard that a former student, Rifleman Martin Kinggett of the 3 RIFLES Battle Group, was killed in Afghanistan."

Leading council figures, friends, family members and fellow soldiers paid their tributes to the brave soldier as flags over council buildings were flying at half mast last week.

Now the council has announced the erection of a memorial in Valence Park commemorating the men and women killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Leader of the council, Cllr Liam Smith, said: "We have a proud and honourable history in our borough of young men and women answering the call of duty to their country.

"Some have made the ultimate sacrifice and we think it is time for their courage and loss to be remembered.