THE family of a Merseyside soldier who was killed in Afghanistan have seen his name engraved on a war memorial.

Phillip Lawrence, 22, of Birkenhead, died on July 27 after he was caught in an explosion while driving his Scimitar armoured vehicle.

He was the first person from Wirral to die fighting in Afghanistan.

His name has now joined a list of servicemen who died fighting for their country on the First World War memorial located at the top of the hill off Grange Old Road, West Kirby.

Trooper Lawrence, of the Light Dragoons, who was described by his commanding officer as “utterly selfless”, left his wife, Amy, and baby daughter, Jessica.

He was the eldest of five brothers who were raised in Upton by their mother, Gaynor.

She said: “Having Phillip’s name engraved on the memorial is an honour, but it reminds me he has gone.

“It has only been about 12 weeks since he died, so everything is still very emotional.

“He was due to come home this weekend from his tour, so that is going to be very hard because a part of me still expects him to come home with all his friends.

“I am proud that at least he died fighting for peace. He died for something good.”

Trooper Lawrence was based in Norwich, where he lived with Amy and Jessica.

Mrs Lawrence and two of his younger brothers will travel to Norwich this weekend to commemorate Remembrance Sunday and celebrate Jessica’s first birthday.

She added: “It will be a very emotional weekend and I cannot believe Phillip will not be there with us. My son was just so lovely and loved life.”