The name of a young Bridport soldier killed in the First World War will live on in a new housing development being built in the town.

McCarthy Stone is building a 'retirement living' complex on the former Mountjoy School site in Flood Lane.

It has been announced the site will be called Gordon Court, after Second Lieutenant Colin Graham Gordon who lived nearby at West Bay Road before he went off to fight for his country.

It comes after the housebuilder invited the Bridport Heritage Forum to name the new complex, giving the group the opportunity to 'put their stamp' on the development.

Sheila Meaney from the Bridport Heritage Forum said: “As part of a four-year project at the Heritage Forum we compiled the life stories of all the men of Bridport who sadly lost their lives whilst fighting in World War I.

"Five of those men lived in the houses opposite the new McCarthy Stone site, including Second Lieutenant Colin Graham Gordon, who was part of the Gordon Highlanders regiment.

"We thought this was a great opportunity to commemorate someone who gave their life for us in the First World War, which is why we suggested Gordon Court.”

A member of the 3rd Battalion Gordon Highlanders, 2LT Gordon was the son of Henry and Bessie Laura Gordon of Bridport, records show.

He was killed at Mametz Wood, an engagement as part of the Battle of the Somme in northern France, on July 1, 1916. He was 25.

Nicki Beswarick, Divisional Marketing Manager for McCarthy Stone Southern, said: “We wanted to choose a name for our new Bridport development that was not only meaningful, but would also resonate with local people and future McCarthy Stone homeowners. We’d like to say a huge thank you to Sheila from the Bridport Heritage Forum for naming our new development on Flood Lane.”

The developer has also revealed a first look of its new complex in Bridport, with a CGI released to show how Gordon Court will look once complete. It is expected to be finished next year.

Nicki Beswarick continued: “It is a very exciting time for our business as interest in the site is high amongst retirees who already live in Bridport, as well as with those who are looking to downsize from further afield."

The development, which was given planning permission in 2019, will feature a collection of one and two-bedroom private apartments for people aged 60 and over.

Bridport Town Council, and others, had vehemently objected to the plans for the site, claiming there should have been affordable units within the development and that local need should be prioritised.

Town councillors have consistently raised concerns over the use of the brownfield site for retirement living when, they have stressed, there is a lack of affordable housing for young people and families in Bridport.