A SOLDIER seriously injured in Afghanistan is to play cricket in honour of a friend who has died.

Rob George, 21, died after a long and brave fight with leukaemia.

He was a popular member of Colchester and East Cricket Club, which is tomorrow hosting a cricket festival in aid of the Rob George Foundation.

Among those taking part will be Lieutenant Iain McQueen, a member of the cricket club who suffered serious leg injuries while serving in Helmand province in 2010.

Read the full story in today's Gazette.