Elizabeth Cross for last soldier killed in Northern Ireland Troubles

A Shropshire-born campaigner, whose son was the last British soldier to be killed in The Troubles in Northern Ireland, says she is proud his sacrifice has finally been recognised.

Rita Restorick, formerly of Market Drayton, joined her family to collect the Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll at a poignant ceremony in Nottingham on Friday in honour of her son.

Lance Bombardier Stephen Restorick, 23, was manning a checkpoint in Bessbrook, County Armagh, in February 1997 when he was shot dead by a sniper.

It led to years of campaigning by Mrs Restorick for the introduction of a posthumous medal to honour the families of forces personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty or as the result of a terrorist act.

Emotional

Mrs Restorick said: "It was a very emotional ceremony and I am glad years of campaigning has finally paid off.

"Receiving the award in honour of my son felt like closing a chapter in a book and we are proud his sacrifice has now been recognised.

"My son's former commanding officer turned up, which was nice, and there were also two other families collecting similar awards on behalf of their sons who have died in Afghanistan and Korea."

The medal has only been issued since August 2009. Its introduction follows years of lobbying by Mrs Restorick and others.

She began her campaign in 1999 when she asked the Ministry of Defence for a posthumous medal, only to be turned down.