A MEMORIAL rugby match in memory of a Cwmbran soldier who was killed in Afghanistan will take place next week.

Now in its fourth year, the event will return to Caerleon RFC on Saturday, May 28 and was founded by friends of Corporal Mike Thacker, who died in action in 2012.

Co-organiser and soldier, David Allison, helped found the annual event and this year will see Caerleon RC and charity team “Scotty’s Little Soldiers” clash.

With over 3,000 people attending in 2015 and activities including zorbing, bouncy castles and military demonstrations, Mr Allison is hoping the event will unite the community again.

He said: “When Mike died everyone was quite hurt and it was very unexpected. He was a lovely guy and a funny character.

“It’s going to be the second year we have held the event at Caerleon RFC and we just wanted something that would last in his memory.”

The charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers was started by Nikki Scott in 2009 after her husband Corporal Lee Scott was killed in action in Afghanistan.

Since being set up the charity has supported children of men and women killed while serving in the British Armed Forces, providing Christmas gifts, birthday gifts and treats.

Its rugby team is also a world-record holder, after raising £80,000 by completing the longest continuous game of rugby- 25 hours- at the Leicester Tiger’s stadium.

Mr Allison added: “This year we have incorporated lots of stalls including a petting zoo from Green meadow Community Farm and activities from Cwmbran-based Cheeky Monkeys.

“I have also created a military village because of my links to the forces and which will showcase the Armed Forces with cadets and charities including Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes.

“David was well into rugby and was a hell of a boy. If he were here I think he would find it amusing that all this is being done in his name.”

The event will be attended by Newport’s Mayor Cllr David Atwell and is sponsored by Ministry of Defence contractor General Dynamics who have supplied kits and trophies for the rugby match.

The charity rugby match will start at 3pm and the family fun day will take place between 11am- 6pm.

For more information contact 01633 420441.