A NEW cider was launched in the name of an Abergavenny-based charity this week.

Welsh Warrior Cider has been created in aid of Welsh Warrior - The Richard Hunt Foundation.

The charity was set up in memory of Private Richard Hunt who was the 200th soldier to be killed after serving in Afghanistan in 2009.

His friends and family set up the charity to help Welsh service personnel and those attached to the Welsh regiments including their families.

The charity has now developed its own cider with the help of the Welsh cider and perry company Gwynt y Ddraig based in Pontypridd with proceeds from the sale of the cider going direct to the charity.

Welsh Warrior will also be on sale at the charity's annual festival at Bailey Park in Abergavenny on August 25 and 26.

Carl Sargeant, the minister responsible for the Armed Forces, families and veterans in Wales, attended the launch at The Castle Hotel in Brecon on Monday as did Pte Hunt's mother Hazel Hunt and Bill George from Gwynt y Ddraig.

Mr Sargeant said: "Charities such as this ensure that our fallen heroes are not forgotten and that some good can follow from such tragedies. Hazel Hunt should be extremely proud of both her son and herself for the work she has done since setting up this charity."

He said it was fitting that the launch was held close to Armed Forces Day.

For more information about the new cider or the Welsh Warrior festival, see welshwarrior.org