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Hucknall bus named after Afghan war hero

One of our connect buses in Hucknall has been named after a soldier tragically killed whilst serving in Afghanistan.

Lance Corporal Paul Sandford grew up in the town before joining the army and now trent barton has named one of its buses in his honour after a search to find three ‘Hucknall Heroes’.

Family & friends at the unveiling of the bus, from left are Paul's mum Jane Saxby, his stepdad Roy Saxby, grandad Frank Sandford and niece Louise-Ashley Sandford, plus Commercial Director Alex Hornby.

Alex Hornby, Commercial Director, explained: “Following the re-introduction of the blue route on our connect services, we asked the people of Hucknall to come up with names for the three buses that serve the town.

“A lot of people put forward Paul’s name and we all agreed that he was a true hero, in every sense. We are delighted to be able to name the first bus after him.”

Known to family and friends as Sandy, L Cpl Sandford served with the Sherwood Foresters – now part of the Mercian Regiment – and was just 23 when he was killed during an operation in the Upper Gereshk Valley, Helmand Province in 2007.

His mum, Jane Saxby, said he joined the army straight after leaving Holgate Comprehensive School and it was heartening that so many people in the town remember her son and his bravery.

“All Sandy ever wanted to do was join the army and we are very, very proud of him,” she said. “I would really like to thank trent barton for naming the bus after him, and everyone who put his name forward.”

“As well as recognising my son, I hope the naming of the bus will also remind people of the sacrifices made by soldiers still in Afghanistan and the many brave servicemen and women who have been killed or injured whilst serving their country,” Jane added.

We will be revealing our next Hucknall Hero in the coming weeks, more details to follow soon.