FAITH groups from across the town joined to show their support for the six soldiers killed in Afghanistan.

Members of the Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Jewish community gathered at the Market Place memorial to pay their tributes to the fallen heroes – three of whom were from the town.

Corporal Jake Hartley, 20, of New Mill, Pte Anton Frampton, 20, of Longwood and Pte Daniel Wilford, 21 of Cowlersley all died when their Warrior armoured vehicle was blown up by the Taliban.

As part of the Huddersfield Interfaith Community, a leader from each religious group delivered an individual prayer while together the group laid flowers and observed a minute’s silence.

Co-ordinator and Hindu faith representative Kiran Bali prayed for “our soldiers to rest in peace.”

She said: “This is a time of grief and sorrow.

“It is imperative that we faith communities come together at this very difficult time to show our support for the families who have suffered.

“We are all here to show our respect for the soldiers and the sacrifice – the ultimate sacrifice, they have made for our country.

“They have laid down their lives for the nation and we are so very proud of them and grateful to them.

“Our deepest sympathies go their families.”

Other representatives included Fatul Haq from the Muslim community, Methodist minister and Huddersfield University chaplain Gill Atkinson, Sikh leader Gurdeep Singh and Stanley Solomons, from the Jewish faith.

The interfaith group said that they wished to respect the families at this time but will be sending cards of condolences and make them aware of their presence.

Deacon Atkinson said: “All faiths are seeking peace, justice and freedom.”

Mr Singh said: “If this isn’t the time to get together there is no other time.

“We are all feeling the loss and we need to come together.

Mr Haq said: “They have laid down their lives for the establishment and to achieve peace.

“They have done so for a good cause and we are all proud of our soldiers and the service they provide for our nation.

“Their aim was to deliver peace in Afghanistan and we thank them for trying to make the world a better place.

“We all just wanted to show our support at this difficult time.”

Catholic representative Theresa Quarmby said: “I am more interfaith than I am one faith.

“It is so important to show our solidarity so that we can all help build a peaceful world.”

Tributes continued to flood in throughout the day with poignant messages, including:

“For the three incredible men who became brothers in arms and now leave as three of the nations bravest heroes, Rest in Peace.”

“So young, so brave, forever in our hearts – sleep tight.”

And “Thank you for trying to make the world a better place.”