IT was a poignant tribute to Huddersfield’s heroes.

The families of the three young Huddersfield soldiers killed in Afghanistan last month received honours on their behalf.

The Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll was presented to the families of the 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment soldiers killed in action last month.

The Elizabeth Cross award was created to provide national recognition to the families of armed forces personnel who have died on operations or as a result of terrorism.

Corporal Jake Hartley, 20, of New Mill, Private Anton Frampton, 20, of Longwood, and Private Daniel Wilford, 21, of Cowlersley, died alongside regimental colleagues Private Christopher Kershaw, of Bradford, and Private Daniel Wade, of Warrington.

All were killed on Tuesday, March 6, when their Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device.

They were on patrol with Sergeant Nigel Coupe, of 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, who was also killed in the explosion.

The soldiers were on a security patrol in the Lashkar Gah Durai region in Kandahar province when the incident occurred.

The young Yorkshire soldiers had been out in Afghanistan only since February 14, as part of an advance party of The Yorkshire Regiment.