THE son of a Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan is to raise funds for other bereaved children.

Sergeant Luke Taylor, who lived in Burton, died in March 2012. His son Roan has been a member of forces charity Scotty's Little Soldiers for the past two years.

Earlier this year, the nine-year-old wrote to members of the England rugby team to ask if they'd send him a signed shirt to auction for the organisation.

Every single player has now signed a top for Roan's auction.

Roan’s mum Nicola said: “Rugby means the world to Roan, and for him it’s a way of making his dad proud.

"Luke played in the Royal Marines, in our local club Oakmeadians and in the Army v Navy games. He also has a cup named after him.

"Roan told the England team about how he hoped to make his dad proud by playing rugby and by winning the cup that has his dad’s name on it.

"He also told them how Scotty’s has helped him and other children who have parents in heaven.

“I’m so proud of him for writing the letter with no help, and for wanting to donate something I know he would cherish.

"He loves Scotty’s and would do anything to help other children who have gone through what he’s gone through.”

The shirt is being auctioned online by Scotty's Little Soldiers so volunteers can continue to support bereaved armed forces children.

Charity founder Nikki Scott, who lost her husband Corporal Lee Scott in 2009, said: “We can’t thank Roan enough for donating his shirt to Scotty’s.

"It means so much to me and everyone at the charity when members show their support. I know how important rugby is to Roan, so to donate such a treasured possession is extremely gracious.”

Sgt Taylor, who was 33, died in Lashkar Gah, Helmand Province. He had been a Marine since 1997 and was on his fourth tour of duty in Afghanistan.

For more information, or to place a bid, visit scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk/charityauction/