3rd Battalion The Rifles (3 RIFLES) have been raising funds through cooking for a Memorial Garden that will honour and commemorate the soldiers who have been killed during the battalion's current tour in Afghanistan.

The cooking fundraiser, which took place on Friday, 26 February, outside a branch of Tescos in Colinton, Edinburgh, where the battalion is based, was the brainchild of Master Chef Sergeant Danny Kay of the battalion's catering department.

Before the marathon cook-off began, Sergeant Kay explained: "We approached our local Tesco store to see if they were interested in supporting a cooking fundraiser and they were delighted to help.

"Tesco will provide the raw ingredients for free, and throughout the day Army chefs, along with celebrity chef Tom Kitchin, will cook breakfasts, lunches and dinners in an Army field kitchen outside the store.

"We are looking to feed as many people as possible during the day and their donations for the meals will go towards the Memorial Garden Fund.

"We are asking for donations from £1 to £2.50 depending on the meal selected."

Michelin-starred chef Tom Kitchin, who owns The Kitchin restaurant in Edinburgh, said:  "I am really happy to help and support 3 RIFLES in partnership with Tesco in raising funds for the Memorial Garden; I think it is really important to have a place for remembrance to honour the fallen.

"3 RIFLES are at the heart of the community in Colinton and the loss of our heroes is felt by everyone."

Scottish producers donate ingredients

Lynne Roxburgh, Marketing Manager for Tesco in Scotland, said: "We are delighted to be able to help the fundraising efforts for the 3 RIFLES Memorial Garden, and we've been overwhelmed by the offers of support from our local Scottish producers who have been keen to get involved and donate ingredients.

"3 RIFLES are such an important part of this community and we are pleased that we are able to help support them with this event."

Major Chris Willis, Officer Commanding, 3 RIFLES Rear Party, said: "I much appreciate Tesco allowing us to stage this event at their local store in Colinton, and thank Tom Kitchin for giving up his valuable time to help out.

"The funds raised will help us to create a lasting memorial to our fallen comrades who were prepared to sacrifice their lives as part of the global struggle against the terrorism which seeks to threaten the daily lives of us all.

"By acknowledging this, Tesco is helping us to sustain our effort in safeguarding the community which we are proud to serve."

Six-month tour has seen 20 troops killed

The 3 RIFLES Battle Group is currently on operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

To date, the Battle Group has lost 20 personnel killed in action during its six-month tour in Afghanistan which is due to end in April.

The Memorial Garden will be located outside the Officers' Mess at Redford Infantry Barracks in Edinburgh.