Memorial stone laid for soldier

Friends and relatives gathered in the Rose Gardens to remember Private Ashley Clarkson Credit: ITV Central

Teardrops for the fallen of Mansfield, they form the centrepiece of the Memorial Rose Gardens where friends of family of Private Ashley Clarkson gathered today to remember.

Ashley committed in suicide earlier this year. His family believe it is a direct result of scenes he witnessed during service in Iraq.

Mary Fells was supported by Karen Bonsall, the mother of Lee Bonsall also from Mansfield. His wife of eight months found his body at home; he'd hanged himself just a week before Ashley committed suicide.

Mary Fells (right) was supported today by Karen Bonsall the mother of Lee Bonsall who hanged himself Credit: ITV Central

The symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder include mood-swings, night terrors and panic attacks. The Ministry of Defence says treating mental health is a top priority, but both mothers want better support.

Private Clarkson first stepped out on parade at the age of 16. He is the first soldier not to die in action to have a stone laid in his memory at the Memorial Rose Garden.

Ashley Clarkson first stepped out on parade aged 16 Credit: ITV Central

The memories of Ashley Clarkson will live on in the hearts of his devoted family and now in the memorial gardens in his home town of Mansfield.

The stone laid in Ashley's memory at the Memorial Rose Garden Credit: ITV Central

However, the hurt and let down they feel will probably stay with them for the rest of their lives.