A council has decided a road cannot be named after a Second World War fighter pilot while he is still alive.

The Battle of Britain Historical Society had hoped a road in Crowborough could be named after Wing Commander Bob Doe.

But the town council decided the procedures for naming roads could not be changed at a planning meeting on Monday.

Councillors said they would consider naming a public building or community centre after him but a street name could only be awarded posthumously.

Wing Cdr Doe, 85, of Lordswell Lane, Crowborough, said: "I would be very honoured if they had decided they could name a road after me but if they don't, they don't. I am not overly disappointed.

"I had nothing to do with the idea in the first place.

"The Battle of Britain society had written to the council and were planning to put a plaque underneath the road sign explaining what it was all about. I think that would have been a good idea because it does get forgotten."

A town council spokesman said Wealden District Council is responsible for naming the roads but it is invited to put forward a list of names to be considered when a new road or development is created.

She said: "At the meeting it was decided the council would continue not to add anyone's name while they are alive.

"They did recommend some other project be named after him - maybe a children's play area or a garden or a building."

Wing Cdr Doe was highly decorated for his bravery in the Battle of Britain and in Burma. He nearly died twice during his 29-year career.

He was shot down in 1940 and a year later suffered facial injuries and a broken arm when his plane crashed.

After 22 operations to rebuild his face, he continued his war service in Burma and stayed in the RAF until the Sixties.

He said: "It was horrendous. You get shot down, then after a rest the terror starts all over again.

"I started off flying Spitfires but we only had three pilots remaining after about four weeks so I got pulled out and sent to the Hurricane squad."

John Pulfer, of the Battle of Britain Historical Society, said the council should not wait until Wing Cdr Doe's death.

He said: "Give him the honour of being there - and perhaps having a Spitfire flying over at the time - to honour this man for what he has done for this country."