THE family of an Ellesmere Port soldier killed in Iraq are planning a permanent memorial to him.

Exactly a year ago, 27-year-old Corporal Marc Taylor was murdered by insurgents as his unit was escorting building workers in Basra.

Now his young widow is raising cash to pay for a specially designed bench in his memory in the grounds of the Kent church where they were married.

Cpl Taylor's mother, Linda Roach, who lives in Wervin, said: 'Marc's widow, Olivia, wanted to do something as a permanent reminder of him.

'She came up with the idea of bench in the churchyard at St Nicholas' in Pluckley, where they married four years ago. She has had it designed by an architect and it will be made from a special type of stone.'

Mrs Roach added: 'Because it is so special, it will cost £10,000. Olivia has already raised £5,000 of this herself but we are hoping people or businesses in his home town will want to contribute.'

Cpl Taylor and Olivia had a daughter, Sophie. Their son, named Jake Marc Edward, was born five months ago.

Mrs Roach added: 'We hope Olivia is able to raise enough money for the bench as it would be a lovely way of remembering a fine son and husband.'

Cpl Taylor, known to his friends as 'Spud', joined the Army in August 1993. His first posting was to 1st Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, based in Germany, as a recovery mechanic.

In August 2000, he moved to 7th Air Assault Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

His last posting was to 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery Workshop in Tidworth.

He deployed to Iraq in command of a four-man team with B Battery Royal Horse Artillery in April 2004.

Cpl Taylor was buried with full military honours at St Lawrence's Church, Stoak, last October.

Anyone wishing to contribute towards the cost of Cpl Taylor's memorial bench is asked to ring Mrs Roach on 01244 398130.