FAMILIES of Derbyshire soldiers killed in action have expressed their delight at the news they are to receive a new medal in recognition of their sons' sacrifices.

The Queen yesterday announced she is to honour the memory of all service personnel killed since World War Two with the new Elizabeth Cross.

The honour will be granted to the next of kin of Armed Forces personnel killed on operations or as a result of terrorism.

It is the first time the name of a reigning monarch has been given to a new award since the George Cross was instituted in 1940.

Judith Wright, whose son, Drummer Thomas Wright, was killed by a Taliban roadside bomb in Afghanistan in 2007, said she was pleased at the news.

Drummer Wright, 21, from Ripley, was serving with the 2nd Mercian Battalion (Worcesters and Foresters) at the time of his death.

Mrs Wright said: "My husband is away working at the moment and I can't wait to tell him.

"It is such a great honour and it will be something for us to keep that we can look at and remember Tom with.

"We are very proud of what Tom did and this is a nice thing for the families of those that gave their lives."

Her views were echoed by Jane Ford, the mother of 18-year-old Private Ben Ford, another Woofer who lost his life at the hands of the Taliban, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in 2007.

Pte Ford was originally from Chesterfield, but spent most of his time in Derby with his girlfriend, Natasha Petts.

Mrs Ford said: "The idea is fantastic.

"Not only does it let the families know that their loss has been recognised, but it also lets the lads and lasses that are still out there and all over the world know that our monarch and the nation are grateful for the loss of their lives and that they did not die in vain.

"It will show also that they are always in our hearts and our minds."

The next of kin will receive the Elizabeth Cross – a sterling silver emblem, in the shape of a cross over a wreath – plus a Memorial Scroll signed by The Queen, which will bear the name of the person who died.

The families of Corporal Russ Aston, of Newhall, who died in 2003 in Iraq, and Martin Jessop, of Chaddesden, killed in Northern Ireland in 1982, will be among some of the other Derbyshire families to also receive the medal and certificate.

Alan Derbyshire, chairman of the Derby Branch of the Sherwood Foresters, said he was pleased to see fallen servicemen and women recognised in this way.

He said: "The regiment never forgets, but it is great that the families of fallen soldiers, sailors and air force personnel will be remembered this way."