A MEDAL to recognise the loss suffered by families of fallen servicemen and women has been welcomed by the family of soldier Private Jason Rawstron, who was killed in Afghanistan.

Members of the Royal British Legion in Lancashire have also voiced their approval of the Queen’s plans to issue an honour in her name to families of those who have died during operations or were killed as the result of terrorism since WWII.

Named the Elizabeth Cross, it is the first time that a reigning monarch has given their name to a new medal since King George VI instituted the George Cross in 1940.

Pte Rawstron, descri-bed as “one of the army’s finest”, is one of the more recent losses suffered by an East Lancashire family.

The Clayton-le-Moors soldier was killed in September last year by a Taliban gunman whilst on duty in Helmand province with 2nd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment.

Since his death his family say they have been in contact with other families in their situation.

His mum Mandy said: “I think it is a brilliant idea and a very moving gesture.

"I won’t say that a medal like this ‘helps’ families who are grieving because help is not the word.

“It is simply an acknowledgement of what servicemen and their families put on the line.

"I also think the lads currently serving in Afghanistan deserve recognition because of what they face every day.

“Then there are people who have lost their loved ones, who need every support.

"I have spoken to a lot of families who have lost someone and they do feel forgotten.

“Other people don’t realise what they are going through. These gestures help a lot.

"It’s like the way Jason’s name is on the cenotaph in Mercer Park – it’s respectful and it is a comfort.”

The president of Darwen Royal British Legion Bryan Thompson said the effect of a serviceman’s death could not be underestimated.

He said: “Every serviceman who dies has a mother, a wife, a loved one who suffer terribly.”

Vice President of Burnley Royal British Legion Alan Bullas said: “It is long overdue.

"Clearly any recognition is to be welcomed rather than none at all.

"At last someone is acknowledging the huge sacrifice made by these families.

"It can only be welcomed.”

Known as the Elizabeth Cross, the recognition will take the form of a sterling silver emblem in the shape of a cross over a wreath and will be accompanied by a Memorial Scroll.

"It will be granted to the next of kin of Armed Forces personnel killed while on duty, as a mark of national recognition.