A REMIX of the 1980s pop hit '19' - which is partly dedicated to fallen Epping soldier Georgie Sparks - goes on sale today.

The song, by Ongar resident Paul Hardcastle, rose to number one in the charts 25 years ago in 1985, and went on to sell more than three million copies.

Mr Hardcastle decided to re-release the record in reaction to the rising death toll of British soldiers in Afghanistan.

He told the Guardian he also wanted to pay tribute to 19-year-old Georgie, who died in a firefight in the country in 2008.

Mr Hardcastle, whose son knew Georgie and his sister, said he wanted to help keep his memory alive following his family's "poor" treatment by Epping Town Council, who vetoed a proposal to dedicate a park in Georgie's memory.

Speaking this week ahead of the release, Georgie's father Wayne Sparks said: "We appreciate everything he [Paul Hardcastle] is doing in helping to keep his memory alive.

"But of course we will never forget. We're still dealing with the death. It has been hard.

"Eighteen months on and we're still no different as a family."

The sales figures and chart position for the song are due to be released this Sunday.