A campaign has been launched to honour a World War Two hero by naming a road after him.

The Argus is today backing calls to overturn a ban on naming a street after Wing Commander Bob Doe because he is still alive.

Crowborough Town Council has refused to change the rules, which say that streets can only be named after people who are already dead.

But The Argus is calling on YOU to send your messages of support which we will forward to the council.

John Pulfer, of the Battle of Britain Historical Society, launched the campaign to name a road after Wing Cdr Doe, the highest scoring battle ace still alive today.

Mr Pulfer, 64, from Crowborough, felt the naming would be a fitting way to honour the former pilot for all he had done during the war. It is especially poignant as the campaign coincides with 60th anniversary year of the end of the Second World War.

He said: "Bob Doe is a hero. These guys would be expected to go up into the air three of four times a day. Their life expectancy was six weeks. Because it's the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and the 60th anniversary of VE Day I thought this would be apt time to do something.

"I thought the council would jump at it. They have talked about naming a project after Bob but that could be anything from a park bench to an arcade. The point of this is to perpetuate the memory of these people so they will never be forgotten."

Wing Cdr Doe, 85, of Lordswell Lane, Crowborough, said: "I am very surprised at all the fuss this has caused. I would be very honoured to have a road named after me but there is no point in doing anything when I am dead. If the council did decide to change the rules I would be very proud."

Councillor Philip Fermor, deputy Mayor of Crowborough, voted against changing the policy.

He said: "We are not saying we do not want to do something for him, we would love to do something and in his lifetime. He has done a lot for our country and we are very grateful. No one can dispute that but we don't feel road-naming is the right thing."

He said a garden or community centre could be named after Wing Cdr Doe.

Rother District Council has the final say on road naming but the town council is invited to put forward a list of names. The planning committee's recommendation will be ratified at a full town council meeting on September 20.

The great-nephew of one of Brighton and Hove's longest serving councillors has spoken out after hearing of the fiasco.

Andrew King, 41, from Caerphilly, Wales, said he was astounded by the decision.

Fitch Drive in Bevendean was named after his great-uncle Stanley Fitch to pay tribute to his 30 years as a Brighton councillor.

Mr King said: "It seems very strange the councils have different rules - I would like to see them changed. It's so petty."

Stanley Fitch's son Brian followed in his father's footsteps and is also a Brighton and Hove city councillor.

Councillor Fitch said: "I think council should be able to make their own decision and if they want to recognise someone who has made a contribution they should be able to do it."

Edward McManus, chief executive of the Battle of Britain Historical Society, said: "There is no logic to the council's decision."

Send your messages of support to Newsdesk, Argus House, Crowhurst Road, Brighton, BN1 8AR or email the newsdesk on www.theargus.co.uk/the_argus/news/contact_us/