School service remembers soldier

Pte Jason Williams died in an explosion on 8 August

A special Armistice Day service has been held at a school after the death of a soldier who was a pupil there.

Pte Jason Williams, 23, who was killed in an explosion in Afghanistan in August, went to Bishop Perowne Church of England College in Worcester.

Another ex-pupil, Cpl Tom Neathway, who lost both his legs and an arm in Afghanistan, spoke at the service.

Former pupil Tony James Ballard, 17, who drowned in the River Severn in June, was also remembered.

A rose garden will be planted at the school in memory of Pte Williams, who died as he tried to retrieve the body of an Afghan comrade on 8 August.

Jason's on my mind 24/7 really. It's still very raw for me - I just so miss him Linda Williams mother of Pte Jason Williams

The service, which was organised by the students, was attended by Pte Williams' mother, Linda, and aunt and the Reverend Duncan Ballard and his wife Ellie.

Linda Williams said she was "so proud" of her son and described the service as "so lovely".

She said: "It brings back memories coming back to Bishop Perowne really, because I used to help with the summer fairs and Jason used to be here.

"Jason's on my mind 24/7 really. It's still very raw for me - I just so miss him."

Cpl Neathway said he was moved by the occasion.

He added: "I've lost a few friends in different places and today's obviously brought it all back, missing them and all that sort of stuff."

The whole school, which is a performing arts college and has about 1,000 students, attended the service.

Tony Ballard died after apparently getting into difficulties while swimming near the city's racecourse in June.

A verdict of accidental death was recorded.