WORKERS are to remove wilted flowers placed at war memorials in memory of three Huddersfield soldiers who died in Afghanistan.

But Kirklees Council has pledged to look at ways of commemorating the tragic deaths of the fallen troops.

Hundreds of people have left tributes for Cpl Jake Hartley, 20, of New Mill; Pte Anton Frampton, 20, of Longwood and Pte Daniel Wilford, 21, of Cowlersley.

They were among six soldiers killed by a huge Taliban bomb on March 6.

All three were members of the 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment and had been in Afghanistan only a few weeks.

Kirklees Council’s chief executive last night said that wilted flowers would be removed from the memorials at Greenhead Park and Market Cross this weekend.

“I have been moved by the volume of floral tributes left across the district, but inevitably, as the weeks progress, these tributes require some attention,” said Adrian Lythgo.

“We will be collecting the cards and messages from all those tributes which are removed, and will be talking to the Yorkshire Regiment about how we can best ensure that these messages are shared with the families.

“In the meantime, we continue to welcome the laying of flowers at the memorials, and during this period, flags on all council buildings will continue to fly at half-mast.”

The six soldiers were repatriated at RAF Brize Norton on Tuesday.

Thousands lined the roads in nearby Carterton to pay their respects to the soldiers, who were taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

Their deaths will now be investigated by the Oxfordshire Coroner..

Dates for their funerals are yet to be announced.