More than 200 people turned out in force to pay tribute to a Bradford paratrooper on the first anniversary of his death in Afghanistan.

Hundreds gathered yesterday for the unveiling of a memorial plaque in honour of Private Martin Bell at Haworth’s Worth Valley Police and Community Contact Point, where he was based while a PCSO before joining the Army.

The Idle soldier’s mother Elaine Bell unveiled the plaque at a ceremony attended by West Yorkshire Police chief constable Sir Normal Bettison and troops from the Parachute Regiment.

The 24-year-old hero was killed in Helmand Province.

Addressing the gathering, Sir Norman said: “He was a good PCSO – he was one of our finest. This plaque is now a permanent and daily reminder of someone from our community and profession who joined the Parachute Regiment and gave his life in our name.”

The event saw Pte Bell’s family receive news that a road in Bradford district is also to be named after him.

In her own address, Elaine Bell said: “The last year has been unreal, and we would not have got through it without our family, friends, the police and the Parachute Regiment.

“Martin – you will always be remembered with much love and many tears. You have left a big void in our lives and a hole in our hearts which will never heal.”

Chief superintendent Ian Kennedy, of Airedale and North Bradford Police, said: “Martin was extremely well liked and popular with both his colleagues and the communities he served and we are very pleased to have the chance to pay our respects to him.

“PCSOs provide a vital service delivering neighbourhood policing in small communities such as Haworth and Martin was a wonderful ambassador for the Force.”

Parish councillor and contact point volunteer Peter Hill said: “Martin was one of the people who make a difference, who don’t just stay at home and expect other people to do it for them. He was a good man who did what needed to be done.”

Worth Valley ward councillor Glen Miller, a former soldier, said courage was not something that could be taught, adding that Pte Bell had shown he had courage and honour. He said the plaque would ensure his name would never be forgotten.

The plaque, which is on the wall of the contact point, was provided free of charge by local craftsmen.

Pte Bell, who was posthumously awarded the George Medal for bravery, joined the police in 2006. He later realised his ambition to join the Army and went on to serve in Afghanistan.

A member of C Company, 2 Para, he was killed when checking for improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on January 25 last year.

After another soldier stood on an IED, losing his legs, Pte Bell returned to stop vital equipment falling into enemy hands. One of his colleagues, Pte Scott Meenagh, then stood on a second device and was badly hurt.

Pte Bell’s medal citation reads: “Recognising the threat, Martin’s commander called to him, telling him to stand still. Despite the huge risk to himself, Martin judged the needs of the critically-injured casualty greater than the risk to his own life.”

Pte Bell treated Pte Meenagh but was killed after triggering a third IED as he pulled the stretcher.