Family and friends of a young soldier who was killed storming an Argentine stronghold in the Falklands War are being urged to contact the Royal British Legion.

Paratrooper Stephen Dixon, from Redgrave Road, Basildon, was just 18 when he was mortally wounded during a brave assault on an enemy gun post in the Battle for Darwin and Goose Green, in May 1982.

Private Dixon, who attended Woodlands School, in Basildon, was the youngest British serviceman to die in land battles during the war.

Former servicemen from the Pitsea and Vange branch of the Royal British Legion are hoping to track down his family and friends, to invite them to a memorial service in his honour at All Saints Church, off Vange Hill Drive, Vange, on June 14.

Stan Brimmer, 44, vice chairman of the British Legion branch, said: "There will be services all over the country and out in the Falklands to mark the 25th anniversary of the war, but we think it is important to remember him in his home town.

"There is a plaque dedicated to him on the wall of our headquarters and he is very much in our thoughts this year.

"We would dearly like to speak to his parents in particular, to check they are happy with us holding a service, and to invite them along."

Private Dixon was a popular character around Basildon, who enjoyed riding motor bikes and playing football.

His mother and father were called Linda and John.

There will be a procession in honour of all servicemen who died in the Falklands War, from the Pitsea and Vange Royal British Legion headquarters, in Rectory Road, to nearby St Gabriel's Church, where there will be a remembrance service.

They will then continue to the war memorial, in Howard's Park, Pitsea, where wreaths will be laid.

A total of 255 British men and women were killed during the Falklands War.

Private Dixon's family and friends can call Mr Brimner on 07810 551577.