Iraq war hero, Steve Roberts, would have been "chuffed" to have his name linked to a charity for ex-combatants.

But especially so, if it was connected to his favourite tipple - beer - and with the aim of raising £10,000.

His 32-year-old wife Samantha on Monday was at Keighley's award-winning brewery Timothy Taylor to launch The Royal British Legion Steve Roberts challenge.

"Steve would have been really chuffed, especially if he knew the challenge was connected with beer.

"He loved his beer - that's a bit of an understatement - I think it goes with the territory," said Samantha, a health club manager.

Steve, a 33-year-old Tank Commander, was the first British serviceman to die in the Iraq conflict, the victim of a gun battle outside the city of Basra on March 23.

His wife is now hoping his sacrifice will inspire people to help raise the £10,000 target in just seven weeks.

Samantha saluted the launch of the challenge with a taste of Timothy Taylor's Landlord and then went on to meet eight Timothy Taylor employees, all ex-members of the armed forces.

Since Steve's death she has become a keen supporter of the British Legion.

She added: "He thought a lot about the Legion - it was very important to him.

"The Legion is important to people serving right up to the present day. And this conflict has added another 50 families."

Timothy Taylor managing director Charles Dent who is also Deputy Honorary Colonel of the East & West Riding Regiment TA Ypres company, said he was proud to have the brewery linked to the challenge.

"The aim is to demonstrate that the British Legion is about today's generation of servicemen as well as the veterans of the first and second world war. The challenge is very appropriate because Steve lived in Shipley and he loved his beer."

The company is offering £5 for every barrel of beer ordered directly from the brewery at Knowle Springs during the seven week challenge. Each public house involved will also attempt to raise at least £100 with its own fundraising scheme.

pic shows:- Iraq war widow Samantha Roberts and Timothy Taylor managing director Charles Dent launch the Royal British Legion appeal