School friend leads musical tribute to soldier killed in Afghanistan

Lance Corporal David Kirkness, 24, of 3rd Battalion The Rifles, died on December 15 last year as he tried to stop two suicide bombers blowing up a crowded marketplace outside Sangin in Helmand province.

Rifleman James Brown, 18, also died in the attack .

The charity concert will be at Morley Town Hall in Leeds on Sunday May 22.

The proceeds will go to the charity Help for Heroes and to support L/Cpl Kirkness's family, including his three-year-old daughter Brooke.

Organiser Jason Barker manages a band called MELViN, whose lead singer James Hart was at school with David Kirkness.

"We are hoping to raise awareness about the charity and give people something to remember David by," he said.

"Hopefully we can make an impact and make a difference."

MELViN has also recorded a single – a version of Bob Dylan's Knocking on Heaven's Door – which will be released two days after the concert.

Proceeds from its sales will also go to the family and Help for Heroes.

The 5 tickets are available from Bertie's Diner in Queen Street, Morley.