THE family of a soldier killed in Afghanistan are hosting a black tie ball to support the charity which helped them deal with their loss.

One hundred and fifty guests will attend the event at Stonehouse Court Hotel on Saturday – the day on which Rifleman Martin Lamb would have turned 30.

Money raised will be donated to Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity which helped Rifleman Lamb’s wife Melissa, 28, and daughter Rosie, five, from Kingsway, Quedgeley, cope when he died in Helmand in 2011.

Melissa is organising the ball with Rifleman Lamb’s cousin, Sara Clark, 34.

There will be a raffle, auction, disco and music from a live band, Skinny River, at the the evening called Lambo’s Charity Do, after the nickname given to him by friends during his time serving with 1st Battalion The Rifles.

Scotty’s Little Soldiers supports the families of service personnel killed in action by providing gifts, activities, family trips and holiday lodges.

Melissa said: “Scotty’s has not only arranged day trips but thought of special anniversaries, for example the day Martin was killed. They have sent vouchers and gift cards, anything that makes a child smile.

“The ball is to help celebrate what would have been Martin’s 30th and I don’t want a day of everyone being sad, I would like people to remember him being fun and happy.

“Martin is a hero and we want his memory to be alive not only for us but also for Rosie. We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received planning the ball.”

The family now plan to launch The Martin Lamb Trust to support families of others killed serving their country, with a summer family fun day and winter wonderland ball lined up.