A PARK bench has been dedicated to the memory of a fallen Worcester soldier.

Private Jason Williams died in an explosion in Helmand province, Afghanistan, while trying to retrieve the body of an Afghan comrade in August.

A bench in memory of the brave 23-year-old was unveiled at Worcester’s Gheluvelt Park on Friday – the day that would have been the young hero’s 24th birthday.

In a poignant message left on the spot, Pte Williams’ mum Linda and sister Jennifer said: “Today you would have been 24 years old.

“Thanks to Tony, Luke and all Jason’s friends for organising this bench in memory of him. Love Mum and Jennifer.”

Friends, family and others spent Saturday celebrating Pte Williams’ life with a fun day in the park that raised money for Help for Heroes and the Myeloma Trust.

There was live music, a merry-go-round, a bouncy castle, and fitness demonstrations by firefighters, paramedics, police officers and Army representatives.

Co-organiser Michelle Elliott, a close friend of the former Bishop Perowne CE High School pupil, said: “It went really well.

“The climbing wall and the paintballing alley were really popular. There was live music throughout the day and the tombola stall was good. “I know Jason’s mum was really happy with the bench. It would have been his birthday on Friday and we just thought this was a good way of remembering him.”

Pte Williams, who was serving with the 2nd Battalion Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) when he died, was destined to become an outstanding soldier.

His motto was “A man is not finished when he is defeated. A man is finished when he quits”.

At Pte Williams’ funeral last month his mum was the first person in the West Midlands region to be presented with the new Elizabeth Cross.

The medal is a sterling silver emblem in the shape of a cross over a wreath, and it is granted to families of Armed Forces personnel killed on operations – or as a result of terrorism – in recognition of their loss.