A Meltham man’s memory will live on in the village.

A special memorial and bench have been unveiled opposite the churchyard at St Bartholomew’s Church in memory of crash victim Gary Pedelty.

And his family hope that others will also gain comfort from the memorial - dedicated on what would have been his 30th birthday.

Gary - a former soldier and a top rugby player - died in a crash caused by a drink driver in November 2010.

The driver responsible for Gary’s death was Meltham man Richard Mail who got behind the wheel after drinking five pints of Stella Artois in the village’s Waggon and Horses pub. He was jailed for four years in January 2012.

Gary, 24, was killed instantly when his Mazda 323 was struck by a Peugeot 206 driven by Mail on Huddersfield Road between Netherton and Meltham. Mail was travelling at 75mph on the 60mph road at the time of the collision.

The memorial bench in memory of Gary Pedelty

Gary’s mum Aletia said: “The bench was unveiled on what which would have been Gary’s 30th birthday.

“It is in memory of our son Gary Pedelty that was tragically taken away from us by a drink and drugs driver.

“The bench, which was made locally, has been placed outside the church for everyone to go and sit and remember the memories of their loved and lost. The Rev Maureen Reed, our village vicar, blessed the bench which was a lovely touch.

Rev Maureen Reed dedicates the memorial at Meltham Parish Church

“Every year Sean Hoare, who is landlord at the Victoria Park in Meltham, organises an annual dinner in memory of Gary which is held at Durker Roods. The last dinner in September 2015 raised money to pay for this bench for the village people to sit and reflect.

“As Gary’s family we would like to thank Sean for all he does to keep Gary’s name alive, and to thank all the lads who go to the dinners every year.”

Gary had served in the 3rd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment and had seen gruelling action in Iraq.

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He was well known in Meltham as a member of Meltham All Blacks rugby league team alongside his brothers Jason and Jordan.

Gary was laid to rest with his sister, Sherri, who died from cot death at just four months old.