THE fiancee of a Kidderminster soldier killed in Afghanistan has welcomed the news a memorial service will be held in the town to honour the hero.

People will gather at St Mary’s Church to remember Lance Corporal Richard Brandon at the poignant service, on Saturday, November 27.

The 24-year-old was killed in September last year, when his vehicle hit an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), in Helmand Province.

The event, organised by the recently-formed Kidderminster Ex-servicemen, Women and Veterans Trust, comes after the town’s Charter of Trustees decided to no longer hold military tribute services for individual soldiers.

They decided, instead, that a candle of peace would be lit during the town’s Remembrance Day service and the names of all soldiers from the district who had been killed would be read out.

Emma-Jayne Webster, L/Cpl Brandon’s fiancee, said she was pleased the service would be going ahead after being left disappointed when the individual services were axed.

“I’m really chuffed,” she added, “I’ve gone down to the church a number of times and sat with [Canon] Owain Bell to organise it.”

Tony Hinton, secretary of the trust, said it was important to have a memorial service so people could pay their respects.

“If any lads in our area are killed, if the family accepts, we will give a memorial service.

“I think it’s very important. It’s part of the closure procedure, although it will never ever close because of the love between his family. It’s just a tragedy what happened, really.”

L/Cpl Brandon’s family, including his parents, Anne and Geoff, Ms Webster, daughter, Kaitlin and stepsons, Martyn Raszke and Liam Raszke-Webster, are expected to attend the service.

Ms Webster added: “The songs I have chosen are what Richard chose for his cremation so it was fitting because they were already chosen - and it’s about him.”

Standards will form a guard of honour outside the church before the memorial starts, at 3pm.

People will enter the church to Angels by Robbie Williams and the first hymn will be All Things Bright and Beautiful.

Tributes will also be paid to L/Cpl Brandon.

Canon Owain Bell, who will conduct the service, will light the candle of piece.

People will leave the church to Jon Bon Jovi’s, A Blaze of Glory and the standards will, again, form a guard of honour as everyone exits.