The local pub of a soldier killed in a bomb blast in Afghanistan is set to hold a second year of charity events.

Mick and Jackie Bray, who run The Malt Shovel and The Angel in Baildon, hope to top last year’s effort of £42,000 for the Help for Heroes charity.

They were spurred on to reach last year’s total after hearing of the death of 22-year-old Sapper Jordan Rossi, a former Malt Shovel regular, who died in an explosion while on patrol near Sangin, in Helmand Province.

Mr Bray said: “The loss of one of our own in Jordan brought home to a lot of people in Baildon the dangers that our brave young men and women are facing and the effect that such a tragedy can have on their families.

“Jackie and I are delighted to once again spearhead this campaign through some very supportive pubs in our area.”

A series of events was held throughout 2009 in aid of the Help for Heroes appeal. Once again, the publicans will co-ordinate the year-long campaign by 20 pubs in the Spirit group.

It will kick off with a Valentine Help for Heroes Evening at the Malt Shovel at 7pm on Saturday, February 13.

The event will feature music, a disco and singer, raffles, a tombola and an auction.

There will also be the chance to buy a male or female ‘slave’ for the night.

Mr Bray said: “We hope people will support our events throughout the year for this very worthy cause. Our own bar staff were brilliant last year and on February 13 some past and present employees will be among the ‘slaves’.”

An indoor sports day is planned for The Angel on Saturday, February 20. This will include darts, dominoes and table football. A talent contest will be held later.

For more information about any of the events, call the Malt Shovel on (01274) 582320 or The Angel on (01274) 717949.