A RALLYING cry has gone out to the people of Maidstone to support our troops in Afghanistan.

The Mall Chequers, in Maidstone, is organising a sporting challenge next week to raise money for a welfare fund to help members of 36 Engineer Regiment and their families.

Centre manager Paul Alcock said the event had been prompted by the death of Lance Corporal Ivano Violino, 29, who was killed when his vehicle came under attack in Helmand province last week.

He said: "Many people in Maidstone have suggested that they would like to support the regiment so we have decided to give them the opportunity by running this event.

"The Royal Engineers are fully supporting it."

The Three Six Challenge, named for 36 Engineer Regiment, will take place at the shopping centre from 10am next Saturday, October 6, with up to 10 teams competing in six physical challenges, including indoor rowing, cycling and stepping. The course will be set up by Maidstone Leisure Centre staff.

He said the funds would be used specifically to help members of the regiment injured or killed in active service.

So far five teams have taken up the challenge, including one from 36 Engineer Regiment itself.

The others are: Maidstone council, Maidstone Leisure Centre, the Bob Prowse Gym, and Maidstone Police.

Each team, consisting of four men and two women, will contribute £500 to the fund. The money will either be raised by the team itself or by other sponsors.

For more information call Maidstone Town Centre Management on 01622 678777.