AN ARDROSSAN war hero has been honoured with a memorial at his old primary school.

A stone memorial honouring Corporal William Savage, who was killed in action 2013, was unveiled at Stanley Primary this week.

Cpl Savage’s mum Isobel has been campaigning the permanent memorial to her son for years and says finally seeing it unveiled, along with William’s dad Tony, wife Lynsey and son, was “emotional”.

She told the Herald: “It was a very emotional day. William’s wife and son were there too and some of the guys from his regiment came along which was just lovely.

“I think he would be very honoured to know that this has been done in his name. He would have enjoyed it.”

Cpl Savage, who was known to pals as Sav, was killed in a roadside bomb in Afghanistan along with with Fusilier Samuel Flint and Private Robert Hetherington when their Mastiff armoured vehicle hit an improvised explosive device on a routine patrol in Nahr-e Saraj, Helmand province, on April 30, 2013.

Isobel says Stanley Primary hold a lot of significance for the family. She said: “My children went to Stanley and my granddaughter is there just now with my other granddaughter starting there in August.

“I am more pleased than ever before and it is still within the site of the old Stanley School. I am one happy mum. I am happy, relieved and proud all in one.”

Isobel also passed on thanks to the Memories of Ardrossan Facebook group, the Royal British Legion and the Saltcoats Veteran’s Breakfast Club.

North Ayrshire Provost Ian Clarkson said: “It was an honour and privilege to be a part of this very special day for the family of Corporal William Savage.

“His passing was absolutely tragic and devastating for the family and whole community. William’s bravery and dedication deserves to be remembered and celebrated. We hope this memorial will do that.

“The family have shown great courage and humility. They will never get over the loss of William but we hope this memorial provides them with comfort and a real sense of pride.”

See more photos from the emotional day on page 15.