A serviceman's name has been added to Abingdon's war memorial -- the first to be inscribed since the end of the Second World War.

Rifleman Michael Edward Bagshaw, who served with the 1st Battalion, Royal Green Jackets, was killed in a terrorist attack in Northern Ireland in 1981, at the age of 25.

He and four colleagues died when their Saracen armoured vehicle was blown up by a bomb concealed in a culvert under a road in Crossmaglen.

His father Dave Bagshaw, 76, of Ock Street said: "I am pleased that the town council has agreed to add the names of people who died serving their country in conflicts since 1945.

"My late wife and I were so proud of our son, who died in the service of his country. It gives me great comfort to see his name on the memorial."

The inscription on the Bath Street side of the memorial reads: "Those who lost their lives on active service since 1945. ME Bagshaw. N Ireland 1981."

Michael's sister Liz Fraser said: "We still have fond memories of Michael. I was 28 and expecting a baby when he was killed.

"It was a tremendous blow to the whole family. He was a boisterous, cheeky personality who livened up a place and we miss him."

Mrs Fraser said her brother found himself at the centre of Royal displeasure when he was on guard duty at Windsor Castle.

She said: "It was a hot day and the late Queen Mother looking out of a window saw Michael yawning.

"She reported it and Michael was fined £40 -- a lot of money for a young soldier in 1980. He wasn't very pleased with the Queen Mum."

The town council decided last year to include on the memorial the names of service personnel who lost their lives in conflicts since 1945.

Adverts were placed in local newspapers and letters sent to Services associations.

President of the Abingdon branch of the Royal British Legion Stan Bradford said: "The legion is very pleased to see Michael Bagshaw's name on the memorial.

"We're fully behind the policy. People who died serving their country should be recognised no matter what the conflict."

The council, which can be contacted on 01235 522642, would be pleased to hear from any other families who wanted names added.