HUNDREDS of people turned out to pay tribute to a south Essex serviceman, who died while serving his country, at a charity rugby day in his honour.

Lieutenant Aaron Lewis, from Hawkwell, died in December 2008 when serving in Afghanistan. A rugby tournament has been held for the foundation in his name ever since.

Fourteen teams entered, including the 29 Commando Regiment, Lt Lewis’s former colleagues, with a local side from Westcliff Rugby Club emerging victorious.

Of their £1,000 prize money, they donated £500 to the foundation and put £200 behind the bar for everyone to enjoy a drink afterwards.

Barry Lewis, Aaron’s father, said: “It was bigger and better than last year, and very humbling to see so many people remembering Aaron.

“We do a different coloured T-shirt each year and around 70 per cent of people were wearing theirs. It was a great sight.”