THE friend of a family mourning the loss of a Colchester soldier shot dead in Afghanistan has written a charity single to support them.

Private Conrad Lewis, 23, was killed by an Afghan sniper in Helmand Province on February 9, 2011, while performing his duties as a lead scout.

The 4 Para Territorial Army soldier was attached to Colchester’s 3rd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment.

A new charity single, ‘Soldier On’, has been released this week in his memory.

Close family friend Chris Onslow wrote the song.

It has been performed by the band, The Big Secret Sound, featuring singer-songwriter Andrew James.

It is hoped the single will get more than 7,500 downloads which should be enough to break the Top 40.

All profits raised will support the trust set up by Conrad's family, named 353 as he was the 353rd UK soldier to be killed in Afghanistan.

It backs a variety of charities, which help soldiers and their families.

Soldier On is available to download now via iTunes. https://t.co/rUixSKNXr0 or at www.thebigsecretsound.co.uk