Human chain for hero soldiers

A huge human chain has been set up to show support for soldiers serving overseas in places like Afghanistan's Helmand Province.

Thousands came together under the 'hold hands for heroes' initiative in Morayshire, where a 4.6-mile long human chain linked hands from Elgin to RAF Lossiemouth, the Press and Journal reports.

Elgin Rotary Club arranged the gesture as a "symbolic" measure of support, with 5,000 people taking part and each person paying £1 towards the Help for Heroes charity.

President of the club Ian Davidson said in a speech before the start: "The bases are so much a part of the community in our area. This is a hugely deserving cause."

The Help for Heroes campaign is also gaining funds from a golf competition being arranged in Newmarket, Cambridgeshire.

It will take place at the West Course at the Suffolk Gold Centre on September 19th, with those taking part each paying a £25 fee that will go towards the charity.

Posted by Simon Williams