A TEENAGE girl whose father was killed while serving in Afghanistan received a rousing reception as she delivered the match ball for Saints' match versus Leeds.

Irish Guardsman Christopher Davies, from Dentons Green, died in 2010 at the aged of 22 after being shot during an ambush in Helmand province.

On Friday night, as part of Saints' commemorations of Armed Forces Day, Christopher's daughter Lucy, now aged 15, was given a guard of honour as she marched on to the pitch to deliver the ball, accompanied by her uncle, Matthew, and friend Kiya.

Supporters in the stadium delivered thunderous applause as a mark of respect to Guardsman Davies, who was the last St Helens soldier to be killed in action.

Speaking of the event, Steve Leonard, the Saints Community Development's Foundation director, who helped organise the forces day celebrations, said: "I am proud Chris' family are here with us tonight and that his daughter Lucy is walking out the match ball.

St Helens Star: 'An invincible personality': Chris walking up Mount Snowdon

Christopher Davies was killed in 2010

"We are also pleased to welcome other members of his family who are all guests of the veterans of the foundation this evening."

READ (from December, 2010) > Little Lucy and family say moving farewell to their hero 

In tributes paid to Chris, a former De La Salle pupil, nine years ago, he was described as “soldier’s soldier” who would strive to be a good family man.

He was regarded as a “perfect dad to Lucy” and is remembered as “a true hero”.