MORE THAN £2,000 was raised at a fundraising cricket match held in memory of a Gwent soldier who died in Afghanistan last summer.

Private Kyle Adams, 21 of Croesyceiliog died on August 6 last year when the armoured Jackal vehicle he was travelling in was hit by an explosion and small arms fire during a routine security patrol north of Lashkar Gah, Helmand province.

Pte Adams, who was serving with the Parachute Regiment, was also a keen cricketer and played for Croesyceiliog Cricket Club at both junior and senior level.

In honour of him, the club decided to hold the memorial match which saw the club play against the Parachute Regiment.

Around 200 people packed out the ground to see the Parachute Regiment take the title with 149-9 in the last over. Croesyceiliog scored 148.

Collections and a raffle contributed towards the fundraising.

Club chairman, John Lewis said: “Kyle was a member of the club for about 10 years. We were devastated by his death and wanted to do something in his memory.”

All the money raised will go towards The Afghanistan Trust.

In a tribute released at the time of Pte Adam’s death, his father described him as a “loving son” and “the life and soul of any party.”

At the cricket match he added: “It is wonderful this match is being held in honour of Kyle and I appreciate what his friends have done for him.”