A YOUNG Prestonpans girl took centre stage at one of the nation’s biggest Remembrance Day services at the weekend in honour of her soldier father, who died on active duty.

Meghan Mathews, 10, laid a wreath on behalf of all children whose lives were lost or changed by war, at Edinburgh’s Stone of Remembrance, at the Capital’s City Chambers on Sunday.

Proudly wearing her dad’s medals on her jacket, Meghan then read out Binyon’s famous ‘For The Fallen’ in front of a sombre audience, including First Minister Alex Salmond.

Meghan’s dad, Sergeant Jonathan Mathews, was killed by a sniper in Afghanistan in July 2008, when she was only three years old.

Sgt Mathews, 35, joined the 1st Battalion Royal Scots when he was 21 and was sent on operations in Norther Ireland, Bosnia and Kosovo, before being posted to The Highlanders in 2006.

Described by his commanding officers as a “proud Scottish warrior”, Sgt Mathews was attached to 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment Battle Group when he was killed in southern Afghanistan.

He had been serving as a mentor and trainer to the developing Afghan Army at the time.

His wife Shona said watching Meghan wear his medals as she recited the verse was a “very proud moment”.

Shona said: “We always lay a wreath on Remembrance Sunday and this year Meghan was asked to take part in the ceremony in Edinburgh.

“She wanted to do it and I was incredibly proud of her. To stand through the two minute silence, and the bugle, lay a wreath and then confidently read out the Binyon lines was an amazing thing for her to do.

“It was very emotional and a very special tribute.” Meghan was asked to take part by Prestonpans British Legion, which includes her grandfather in its members.

Paying tribute to Sgt Mathews following his death, his commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Jamie Campbell said: “His love of soldiering could never be matched by his absolute devotion to his wife Shona and his children William and Meghan.” Prestonpans Primary School pupil Meghan delivered a faultless performance as she played her part in remembering him.

Mum Shona said: “Although Meghan was only three when Jon was killed, his memory has been kept alive with photographs and stories. He is never forgotten and I was very proud she wanted to do this and wore his medals.”