COMRADES, schoolfriends and family are joining forces to celebrate the life of a Prudhoe solder, killed in the Gulf War.

Twenty-year-old Kevin Leech of the 3rd Batallion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers was killed on February 26 1991 in a now notorious “friendly fire” incident involving an American aircraft.

The fund-raising tribute has been organised in support of veterans’ mental health charity Combat Stress.

Kevin’s army friends will be travelling from all corners of the country to attend the special evening and have also donated prizes to be auctioned off.

The trio behind the event – Karen Callendar, Tracy Edwards and Bridget Lawson – all went to school with Kevin. And Karen’s husband Gary served in the Gulf War with Kevin. Their eventual aim is to raise enough money to establish a respite unit in the North-East.

Karen, mum to Lewis (18) and Sadie (23), said: “It’s had a lasting effect on them all.

“It’s so hard for soldiers when they first get out; they don’t have that support network anymore.”

The tribute night will take place from 7pm this Saturday at The Big Club in Prudhoe.

Another schoolfriend of Kevin’s, Derek Hodgson, will be DJ-ing the disco and karaoke. Prudhoe resident Alan Barker, whose son is currently serving in the forces, has raised over £300 for combat stress alongside his DHL Prudhoe colleagues. And a raft of local businesses have contributed prizes to the raffle and tombola.

Tickets are still available for the charity night, for more information call 01661 833239.