War veterans have stepped in to honour a Kidderminster soldier killed in Afghanistan after town leaders rejected plans for an individual tribute.

Residents will be able to pay their respects to Lance Corporal Richard Brandon during a memorial service at St Mary’s Church, Kidderminster, on November 27.

The newly-formed Kidderminster ex-servicemen, Women and Veterans Trust has organised the service which will be attended by Mr Brandon’s family.

The move comes after Kidderminster’s Charter Trustees decided against staging an individual tribute to the fallen soldier following months of discussions.

Instead the trustees decided to add a candle-lighting ceremony to the town’s existing Remembrance Day service in November to honour all the district’s soldiers killed in action.

But trust members said many people still wanted an individual tribute to Mr Brandon, including his fiancée Emma-Jayne Webster.

The 24-year-old soldier was killed in Helmand Province when his vehicle hit a bomb in the road.

Trust secretary Tony Hinton said: “The trust is new and we are still seeking our full charity status but we wanted to stage this service for L/Cpl Brandon’s family.

“Although there can never be closure on a tragedy like this hopefully it will help and give town residents the chance to pay their respects to an excellent soldier killed in the line of duty.”

The charter trustees decided against a service for Mr Brandon alone as they felt it more appropriate to hold an event honouring all soldiers. The group is responsible for ceremonial activities as Kidderminster has no parish council.

By Lee Watton