A TRIBUTE has been paid to former West Craven High School student Jordan Bancroft who was killed in duty while serving his country in Afghanistan.

The Barnoldswick school hosted a ceremony on Thursday where a plaque was unveiled in memory of the former Earby man, who died in 2010 at the age of 25.

Jordan's father, Tony Bancroft, said: “This is a fitting tribute to a wonderful son and solider.

"Thanks to the young men and women that are brave enough to step up and defend our countries standards and values, it is their courage that makes this country great.”

During the ceremony, members of Jordan's family, friends and current and former school staff members watched the unveiling of a framed board, which includes photos of Jordan and The Making of a Hero tribute written by his father.

Excerpts from the tribute include: "Jordan left West Craven High School in the summer of 2001 with a handful of career choices.

"He decided that the army was the career for him after he had seen the information video and the lure of seeing the world.

"Jordan chose to be an infantry soldier and, after completing basic training, he joined the Queen’s Lancashire Regiment 1st Battalion Anzio Company."

He served on tours of duty in Canada, Cyprus, Germany, Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire and Iraq before 2006, when The Queen’s Lancashire Regiment was amalgamated with other North West regiments, which became the Duke of Lancaster Regiment.

The regiment received orders in 2009 it was to be deployed to Southern Afghanistan.

ITV Granada did a special report and interviewed several troops, including Jordan. He was asked if he was fearful of going to Afghanistan.

His reply was: “Yes, of course I am.

"Although we have experience of conflict in Iraq, Afghanistan is a different ball game altogether. I think we will lose a lot of guys in this one.”

West Craven headteacher, Craig Baker, said: “There was a good turnout from family, friends, staff and former staff members to this important commemoration for this brave man, who gave his life serving his country.

"We are pleased to be able to place a permanent memorial to Lance Corporal Bancroft in school in a place that will be visible to both visitors and students.”

The plaque also mentions that Jordan was killed in action at 6.30am local time on August 21, 2010.

The final line of the tribute reads: "Rest in Peace Lance Corporal Jordan Dean Bancroft... a true Lion of England."

The framed board is situated near the exit doors at the main reception.