Fitness event remembers soldier

Teams from the army and the emergency services took part

A sponsored event has been staged in support of a Kent regiment following the death of a soldier in Afghanistan.

Lance Corporal Ivano Violino, 29, from Salford, Greater Manchester, was part of the 20 Field Squadron of the Maidstone-based 36 Engineer Regiment.

The married father of eight-year-old twins, who was also known as Sean, died in an explosion on 17 September.

A cycling and fitness challenge was held in Maidstone on Saturday to raise funds for the regiment's welfare fund.

'Total professional'

Teams from the army, emergency services and several local gyms took part in the event at the Chequers shopping centre.

Lt Col Nev Bagley, of 36 Engineer Regiment, said L/Cpl Violino was a "total professional soldier".

"He was just a really wonderful guy, liked by everybody.

"His spirit will just shine through and make us all the more determined."

The funeral of L/Cpl Violino was held in Shipbourne, Kent, on Friday.