THE family of a young Orchard Park soldier killed in Afghanistan have thanked a military choir for performing at their local pub.
The Yorkshire Warriors performed at Pint & Pot in Ellerburn Avenue.
Private Johnathon Young, 18, enjoyed a farewell drink with family at the pub before he left for the warzone in 2009.
He was killed by a Taliban bomb three weeks into his first tour in the flashpoint town of Sangin in Helmand province.
Members of the choir, comprising past soldiers, sang hit covers from their debut album, including Blue Moon and Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?
Johnathon's mum, Angie Fox, of Jipdane, said: "The Yorkshire Warriors are a brilliant bunch and I would like to thank them for coming along to perform at our local.
"I respect every single one of them for having served their country, just as Johnathon did.
"Johnathon died doing what he loved – being a soldier. That keeps me going."
Johnathon's granddad, Fred Fox, served in 7 Royal Horse Artillery, from 1959 to 1965.
He said: "It was fantastic to see The Yorkshire Warriors here.
"They really were very good.
"I would have loved to have got up and thanked them publicly, but I am not very good at public speaking.
"So, from Johnathon's granddad, I would like to thank them all for coming and for a great night."
The Fox family were on their feet dancing to several of the songs performed by the choir who wore T-shirts displaying the badge of The Yorkshire Regiment.
Most of the veterans served with Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire.
On June 6, 2006, the unit became 1st Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment.
Elisha Crossland, 15, sings alongside her dad, Gary, 46, who served from 1985 to 2007.
She said: "I went along to take pictures of my dad performing and they let me join.
"I am very proud of my dad that he served his country and I am very proud to be part of The Yorkshire Warriors."
Helen Wheal-McLeod and Carol Heath travelled from Bransholme to watch the performance.
Carol said: "My brother served in the Army, so I know how important it is to support them.
"We have both a copy of the CD. They are good."
Mandy Bryant, of east Hull, is in charge of the music and helps choose songs for the choir.
She said: "They put 100 per cent into it. It took them a little while to listen to me, because I'm a woman.
"I always tell them to smile more as it brings the words out better."
Before each performance and rehearsal, members of the choir put up photographs of soldiers from The Yorkshire Regiment who have been killed in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Choir organiser Paul Langthorpe said more than £4,500 has been raised from sales of the CD, as well as donations.
Proceeds go to The Yorkshire Regiment Benevolent Fund, which helps soldiers who have fallen on tough times.
