Band writes a tribute to forces in Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts

A young band from Cullompton has penned a passionate tribute to the servicemen and women risking their lives in the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The four-piece rock group Hailing Star were inspired to write the song after hearing of the death of Daniel Lee Coffey, a young rifleman from Cullompton, killed in combat in Iraq in February, 2007.

The track, Lost Heroes, will be dedicated to his memory, and to all those who have lost friends or family as a result of war.

The band, fronted by 15-year-old songwriter and lead guitarist Elliott Alderman-Broom, and completed by drummer Matt Gillard, 16, rhythm guitarist Luke Winter, 15, and bassist Helen Tytherleigh, 16, are hoping to record the single professionally at one of the county's top studios, and make it available for official release.

Read more in Saturday's Echo.