THE mother of the 200th soldier to die after being wounded in Afghanistan said awarding the Freedom of Monmouthshire to The Royal Welsh Regiment would be a fitting tribute to serving soldiers and those whose lives have been lost.

Monmouthshire councillors will meet today to discuss awarding the regiment the Freedom and recognise it’s heroism and devotion to duty in the service of others during Afghanistan and Iraq campaigns.

Hazel Hunt, of Abergavenny, said the award, if granted, would be an “honourable tribute” to Monmouthshire soldiers.

Her son Private Richard Hunt from the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Welsh Regiment died after being wounded in a explosion while on a vehicle patrol near Musa Qala in Helmand Province in 2009.

"I know the lads serving would appreciate it," said Mrs Hunt.

"It would mean a lot to those families who have paid the ultimate price and lost loved ones," she added.

"Monmouthshire has paid a very heavy price and this would be an honourable tribute."

Monmouthshire council has the authority to grant the Freedom, which would see The Royal Welsh placed on the Roll of Honorary Freemen of the County.

It would also allow them to march through the streets of the county on all ceremonial occasions with colours flying, drums beating, bands playing and bayonets fixed.

The cost of the award is estimated to be £8,000 which include commissioning a scroll, printing costs and holding a reception.

If approved, the Freedom will be awarded to the regiment at a parade in Monmouth on March 4, which is one a series of homecoming celebration parades across Wales.