A MEMORIAL to the first British servicewoman killed in action in Iraq has been unveiled.

Flt Lt Sarah Mulvihill, 32, who was based at RAF Benson in south Oxfordshire, died alongside four others when their helicopter came down in Basra on May 6.

The last known RAF photograph of the 32-year-old has been transferred on to a canvas and framed.

It was unveiled in the passenger lounge of Kent International Airport, Manston, by her brother Jason Poole.

Her parents, Susan and Terry Poole, and her husband Lee Mulvihill, also attended.

Padre Eleanor Rance, chaplain of RAF Benson, said the picture would be viewed by hundreds of travellers as they went about their daily business.

She said: "I hope that when they do they'll stop and wonder who this beautiful young woman is."

Unveiling the picture, Jason Poole, 34, of Dover, said: "The whole family is very proud this tribute has been made to Sarah."

A plaque underneath the picture reads: "This memorial is dedicated to Flt Lt Sarah Mulvihill who was on board an RAF Lynx helicopter when it was shot down on landing on the day of May 6th 2006.

"Flt Lt Mulvihill was an operations support officer acting as adjutant on detachment and was the first service woman to be killed in action in Iraq."