The mother of a soldier killed in Afghanistan has joined forces other mums of dead soldiers to offer support for grieving families.

Deborah Simpson, mother to Danny Simpson, has, with six other mothers, started the group Afghan Heroes after her son was killed in Helmand Province in July.

Rifleman Simpson was killed by a improvised explosive device (IED) while on a routine foot patrol near the town of Sangin.

His funeral was held at the Croydon Parish Church on August 3.

Now, after all the men have been buried, their mothers, brought together on the day their sons returned to Britain, have started a group to help other grieving servicemen's families.

One of the group's first schemes will be the Thank A Soldier campaign where home comforts are sent to the men and women serving on the front line.

Deborah Simpson, said: “If more than 200 people were killed in a major accident or explosion and thousands more injured there would be charities set up within days to support the families.

“Afghan Heroes has been formed as a Mother's legacy. Sadly almost every week another family hears the devastating news that their loved one will not be coming back.

"They need help to come to terms with their loss and I am speaking on behalf of all mothers so that we can ensure the support Afghan Heroes offers is right.

“As far as we are aware this is the first charity specifically set up to support British troops in Afghanistan.

"We recognise the marvellous work of other charities, many of which have provided years of support for our military, but we believe there are now specific needs for the families of those who are serving in Afghanistan that need to be met and that the level of that need has reached a place where action is needed now.”

More information on Afghan Heroes can be found on www.afghanheroes.org.uk.