MOVES to name a street after war hero Flt Lt David Stead will be discussed next week by councillors.

Bradford Council's Shipley Area Committee will consider a request when it meets on Wednesday, March 8 to name a road on the Sun Lane development at Burley-in-Wharfedale after the brave airman who lost his life in 2005.

Former Ilkley Grammar School pupil Flt Lt Stead, whose ambition to become a pilot was sparked as a member of Ilkley-based 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron Air Training Corps, was the captain of a mission in 2002 to fly a Special Forces Hercules aircraft to Kandahar, Afghanistan, to evacuate a number of casualties - including children - during the long-running conflict.

The RAF aircraft hit bad weather and was advised to abort the operation, but Flt Lt Stead pushed on and rescued a number of people.

His plane was shot down on a 2005 flight close to Baghdad, and the 35-year-old lost his life along with nine other military personnel.

Now it has been suggested that a street on the 475-home development be named David Stead Crescent in honour of his achievements.

Wharfedale ward Councillor Bob Felstead put forward the idea, after consulting with Flt Lt Stead’s parents, who live in Burley-in-Wharfedale.

Cllr Felstead wrote in a report to the committee that one of the 47 streets on the development should be “named after David Stead, to recognise his contribution to Queen and Country, and to all those he has helped in Afghanistan.”

He added: "His parents and family after only a short pause for thought welcomed the opportunity to have a street named after David.

“May I respectfully request, that the next street name in Burley-in-Wharfedale that’s being considered is named appropriately.

“There are numerous examples of street naming after war heroes right across the district, David Stead is therefore not an exception to the rule.”

Flt Lt Stead was posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross in December 2005 for his actions.

Outlining Flt Lt Stead’s incredible rescue mission to Kandahar in April 2002, Officer Squadron Leader JG Gladston, Flight Commander SF, 47 Squadron said: “The mission only succeeded only due to Stead’s outstanding leadership, disregard for personal safety and acceptance of personal risk.

“His unparalleled captaincy, piloting skills and personal courage, under unbelievable pressure, were in accordance with the finest traditions of the Royal Air Force. He was directly responsible for saving the lives of a number of Afghan children.”

Flt Lt Stead, who lived in Burley-in-Wharfedale, left a wife and two daughters. His funeral was held at All Saints Parish Church, Ilkley. More than 300 comrades-in-arms, family, friends and well-wishers packed the church where they heard tributes to Flight Lieutenant Stead's life and career.