A FUND for soldiers killed or seriously injured in Afghanistan will receive a boost from a reception at the House of Lords organised by Essex County Council.

Lord Hanningfield, leader of Essex County Council, is inviting representatives from businesses and charities across the county to the event.

The aim will be to work out a joint strategy to raise as much money as possible for the Royal Anglian Regiment memorial fund.

The fund supports soldiers who were injured, or the families of those who were killed, during a six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan's notorious Helmand Province last year.

Lord Hanningfield said: "The soldiers are incredibly brave and I'm so grateful for how they put their lives on the line for everyone back home.

"Sadly some of them paid the ultimate price, while others were badly injured. My council wants to do all it can to support this fund.

"I am inviting the best brains and most influential people across the county to put their heads together and think about how we can help raise badly needed money.

"Several soldiers and officers from the regiment will also hopefully be attending."

The Royal Anglians lost nine soldiers, including Private John Thrumble, 21, of Westborough Road, Westcliff, and suffered 57 casualties, during the tour of duty.

More than £125,000 has already been collected for the fund.

The county council reception is taking place in the River Room, at the House of Lords, from 6pm to 8pm, on Tuesday.

The regiment recruits from across Essex and East Anglia.

Dawn Stevenson, 40, from Laindon, mother of Royal Anglian squaddie Iain Stevenson who served in Afghanistan, said: "It's great to hear the council is getting behind our boys.

"It would be nice to think the county was getting together to collect for the fund."