A MEMORIAL for marine Thomas Curry suggested by the British Legion has won the support from local councillors.

Thomas Curry, 21, died a hero's death in Afghanistan when his unit, 42 Commando Royal Marines, was involved in close-quarter fighting with Taleban on January 12.

Tom, of Wellesley Road, Wanstead, had proposed to his fiancee Carla Maynard on Christmas Day in a telephone call to his family from Afghanistan.

His funeral service at Christchurch, Wanstead, was attended by 25 royal marines representing his unit still on active service in Afghanistan.

The Wanstead and Woodford branch of the Royal British Legion, who were represented at the funeral, asked the Mayor of Redbridge for Tom's name to be added to the Wanstead war memorial on Christchurch Green.

Cllr Alan Burgess put this suggestion to Redbridge Council's Area one committee in a discussion about the discretionary budget for Wanstead and Snaresbrook ward.

Cllr Burgess said: "I think we should honour the heroes of this time when they are fighting for this country. There should certainly be a local recognition that he was one of our finest who died on foreign soil."

The councillor's support was echoed by committee members, and council officers said they will liase with the appropriate authority about a memorial for Tom Curry.