WHEN daffodils begin blooming aroudn Wales later this spring, there will be one very special variety fluttering in the breeze- the Welsh Warrior, named after one of Gwent’s fallen heroes.

The flower has been named in memory of Private Richard Hunt from Abergavenny, who was the 200th British soldier to die in Afghanistan. Pte Hunt of second battalion the Royal Welsh died in 2009, a week before his 22nd birthday.

It was chosen by Pte Hunt’s mother Hazel, as the emblem of the Richard Hunt Foundation- a charity set up to support injured troops from Wales and their families.

The charity has already raised over £50,000, which has so far helped the families of six servicemen killed and two soldiers who were seriously injured.

Mrs Hunt explained that her committee was discussing an emblem or a mascot for the charity, when one member suggested a daffodil.

She said: "The idea was a no-brainer as the daffodil is obviously the national emblem of Wales, we’re a Welsh charity and Richard was a very proud Welshman."

After an internet search , they got in touch with Cornwall-based Quality Daffodils and its owner Ron Scamp sent Mrs Hunt six types he had developed, which he hadn’t named.

She said: " We chose a tall daffodil that grows between 12 and 16 inches and is a really vibrant yellow. Mr Scamp was great and said he will give a percentage of all sales to the charity."

The Welsh Warrior daffodil will be launched at the Royal Horticultural Society show at Cardiff Castle between April 8 to 10.

Mrs Hunt added: "We’re a nation of gardeners and everyone loves a bunch of daffs in spring, so hopefully we'll the Welsh Warrior everywhere."

The charity hasn't yet been told how much the daffodils will cost after they are launched and what percentage of sales it will get.