SOLDIERS have marched the repatriation route taken by fallen comrades to help complete an £18,000 fundraising drive for a memorial bell.

Troops have been repatriated to RAF Brize Norton since September 1 and campaigners want a bell put up at the Memorial Garden.

Six soldiers marched from Britannia Gate at RAF Brize Norton and Headley Way, Headington, near the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, to raise the final £2,000 to purchase the bell.

Lance Corporal David Radband, 26, from the Parachute Regiment, was joined by Royal Marines Chase Bray, Anton Rushmere, Alex Haydon, Sam O’Dowell and Chris Horton.

L Cpl Radband, from Bampton, said he took part in the walk to remember soldiers who have died in Afghanistan.

Last month the Gannett Foundation, part of the Oxford Mail’s parent company, donated £9,000 towards the cost of bell.