A SPECIAL memorial service for Huddersfield’s three young Afghan heroes is to be held next month.

The service will follow the funerals planned next week for the Yorkshire Regiment soldiers, killed on duty.

Hundreds are expected to pack into Huddersfield Parish Church for the memorial event on Sunday, May 13.

It is being held at the same church as two of the three funerals.

The service will come after a whole town united in grief and in respect for the soldiers.

Corporal Jake Hartley, 20, of New Mill, died alongside colleagues Private Anton Frampton, 20, of Longwood, and Private Daniel Wilford, 21, of Cowlersley, when their Warrior armoured vehicle was caught in an explosion.

Three others died in the same incident, making it the worst single atrocity involving British troops in the conflict.

They were fellow 3rd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment soldiers Private Daniel Wade and Pte Christopher Kershaw, and Sgt Nigel Coupe.

The memorial service at 3pm will be an opportunity for all the community to pay their respects.

The Vicar of Huddersfield, the Rev Canon Simon Moor, said: “I have been struck by the weight of feeling of people for these sad deaths and many have asked if we could do something.