Just over a year after his death, more than 300 people turned out to an emotional fundraiser in memory of a Black Country soldier.

Corporal Jonathan Horne, known as Jay, was killed in an explosion while serving in the Helmand province of Afghanistan on July 10 last year,  aged 27.

Since then his mother Jane Whitehouse, 54, of Delves, Walsall, has been tirelessly raising money for a charity set up with other bereaved mothers called Afghan Heroes.

Last night at The Saddlers Club next to the Banks’s Stadium in Walsall friends and family turned out to show their support and to remember the father-of-two.

Jane said: “My son’s name will never be forgotten, he has left me two beautiful grandchildren and the memories.  I remember the day he told me he was going to join the army, I was the proudest mum in the world.  We should never forget the job they are doing out there.  Doing all of the fundraising can be tiring but we all keep each other going.”

Joining RAC worker Jane at last night’s bash was Jill Murphy, mother of Rifleman Joseph Murphy, from Castle Bromwich.  Jill’s son was with Cpl Horne and they had been trying to carry injured comrades to safety when a bomb killed them.

Dancers, singers, comedians and musicians took to the stage at last night’s event.