PALS of a war hero from Cwmbran will tackle a world record breaking rugby challenge in the fallen soldier's honour.

Corporal Michael Thacker, 27, was killed in Afghanistan in June last year while on active service with the 1st Battalion Royal Welsh in Helmand Province.

His friend Dave Allison, who grew up playing rugby at Cwmbran RFC with Corporal Thacker, decided there and then that he wanted to do something to honour his friend's memory.

Corporal Allison, 34, who is in the Welsh Guards and is based in Catterick where he trains recruits, explained he got involved with the charity Scotty's Little Soldiers, which provides support to the children of fallen servicemen.

"I wanted to organise an event that was going to reach out to the public and to highlight this tremendous charity even further.

"Scotty's Little Soldiers is the charity who takes care of and helps put a smile back on the faces of the children that have lost a parent during operations around the world.

"I started fundraising for Scotty's and now work for them after my close friend Cpl Mike Thacker died. He leaves behind his daughter Millie, three, so the charity really hit home for me."

Having already run the London Marathon and completed a 40-mile run around Wirral peninsula to raise funds and awareness for the charity, Cpl Allison has now taken on his biggest challenge, arranging the longest ever rugby match in history.

On May 31, a team representing all three armed services will take on a team of pros and semi-pros, most of whom are from Cwmbran, in a game at Leicester Tigers' Welford Road Stadium.

Those taking part will include Cwmbran boys Gareth Davies and Mark Cox, who play for Bargoed and Newbridge in the Welsh Championship, as well as the Ospreys' ex-Pill Harriers hooker and former-serviceman Matt Dwyer as well as ex-St Helens rugby league star Bobby Goulding.

The time to beat is 24 hours and three minutes.

In a final tribute, he has named the trophy both teams will play for on the day as the Cpl Mike Thacker trophy.

Transport will leave Cwmbran for Leicester on May 31 and there will be an evening event at Welford Road on June 1. Tickets for the game are £5.

If you would like to attend the game or for more information, contact Cpl Allison on 07815955411 or e-mail dave@scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk

The event's website is www.scottysworldrecordfundraiser.co.uk where donations can also be made.