THE family of an Abergavenny soldier, who was killed after serving in Afghanistan, will be presented with the Elizabeth Cross next month.

Private Richard Hunt, died aged 21 in August last year, after serving with the Second Battalion The Royal Welsh.

His parents, Hazel and Philip Hunt, from Abergavenny, will be presented with the Elizabeth Cross at a medal parade in Brecon on May 1 where they will be joined by other members of the soldier’s family and friends.

The soldiers from the Second Battalion The Royal Welsh will also be presented with medals for their service in Afghanistan.

The day will start with a service at Brecon Cathedral at 10.45am.

The soldiers will then march from the Cathedral with the Royal Welsh band before the medals are presented to the soldiers on The Bulwark at 12pm.

The Elizabeth Cross is granted to next of kin in recognition for the families of British service personnel killed while serving for their country.

The sterling silver emblem is in the shape of a cross over a wreath and will be presented to Private Hunt’s parents by the Lord Lieutenant of Powys Shan Legge-Bourke.

The honorary citizenship of the town will then by presented to the Battalion by the town mayor, Councillor Ieuan Williams, which will be followed by a freedom march through the town.

Mrs Hunt said she could have received the medal earlier or in private but said: “Richard would have been with the boys and so I want to be with them.”