Play area to be dedicated to local hero in Bedworth

A new play area at the Miners' Welfare Park in Bedworth is to be dedicated to a local soldier who died in Afghanistan.

The playground will be named 'Simon's' after Sergeant Simon Valentine who lost his life in 2009.

A dedication ceremony will be carried out at 2pm today.

In attendance will be members of Sergeant Valentine's family, the Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth and representatives from the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers who Simon was serving with when he died.

Councillor Tony Lloyd, deputy leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council said: "The dedication of the play area to Sgt Simon Valentine is a fitting tribute to one of our true local heroes.

"Simon made the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield and I encourage local residents to turn out for the dedication ceremony."