A new affordable housing scheme is to be named after footballing legend Gary Speed who died at his home in Chester in 2011.

The development by Pennaf Housing Group, which will include 21 homes off Lower Aston Hall Lane, near Aston Hill, in Flintshire will be called Llys Gary Speed.

Schoolchildren from St Ethelwold’s Primary School in Shotton and Ysgol Penarlag in Ewloe were asked to choose the name for the new project.

Pupils from St Ethelwold’s wanted to pay tribute to Speed, who lived in Huntington, after learning how he inspired others in the community.

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Paul Oliver, headteacher at St Ethelwold’s, said: “The children understand that Gary sadly died while he was still very young, however when he was growing up here he was like many children who just loved playing football.

“The children thought it extremely fitting that Gary Speed be remembered in the local community and are delighted that their suggestion has been chosen.”

Mr Oliver added: “Gary played for the County’s primary schools’ side and attended Deeside High and Hawarden High Schools before going on to be Wales’ most capped outfield player as well as Captain and Manager of the national Welsh Team.”

Work will begin on the Llys Gary Speed development later this month, with the scheme including two, three and four bedroom family homes as well as a bungalow.

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It is hoped the project will be completed in Spring 2017.

The homes are being developed in partnership with the Welsh Government and Flintshire County Council , and will be managed on completion by Clwyd Alyn Housing Association, part of the Pennaf Group.

Deiniol Evans, director of development and technical services for Pennaf said: “The new name, based on one of the suggestions from St Ethelwolds, was selected in consultation with the local ward council members who also liaised with Mr Speed’s family concerning the suggestion.

“We’d like to thank all the children and staff at both schools for putting forward some excellent suggestions.”

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Cllr Helen Brown, Flintshire County Council’s cabinet lead member for housing and is the ward member for Aston, said the childrens’ tribute is “heartwarming”.

She said: “ I’m absolutely delighted and very proud that the children recognise Gary Speed as an inspiration and mentor to many.

“The suggestion from local children to remember a former school pupil from the area is heart-warming.

“Gary was presented with his MBE for his services to sport, and he remains the most capped outfield player for the country.

“I’d like to thank all of the children who took part and put forward excellent suggestions. I look forward now to seeing the new development, Llys Gary Speed, in progress.”