A WORD of thanks has gone out to Saffron Walden students who have organised a business-community black tie dinner in support of injured servicemen.

Next week Saffron Walden County High School is hosting an event – organised by a group of sixth form Business Studies students- to raise money for the Carver Barracks Injured Soldier Fund (CBISF).

The idea behind the dinner is for local businesses and the barracks to come together; the set up will see a soldier present on each table to answer questions about army life.

There will also be two keynote speakers giving talks on what life is like in the army and the jobs of the soldiers.

Major Al Budinger, from the Wimbish base, expressed his delight that the school and local businesses have gone to such lengths to get involved with the barracks.

“It is really good for us and the fund that the local community gets involved whenever they can,” he said.

“It’s not just the tangible things like the money raised that are so important but the intangibles such as the levels of support as well is really good to see and be a part of.

“This is the first event of its kind that we have been apart of and it’s great that the school has done all of this off their own backs.”

The soldiers at the Carver Barracks have been deployed in Afghanistan to fulfil a vital role – disarming Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in high risk areas of the Middle Eastern country. With the essential role comes a high risk of injury and fatalities, which is why the CBISF is so important.

Major Budinger added: “We are well supported by other charities but the injured soldier fund does not have any administration fees so we can spend all the money on providing the soldiers and their families with all the support needed.

“What makes the fund even more important is our ongoing commitment in Afghanistan.”

The event is being held at County High on November 26 with tickets costing �40. Starting at 7pm diners will be treated to a three-course meal followed by live music, keynote speakers and a raffle.

To get involved or for more information, e-mail 04joseph_fa@saffronwalden.essex.sch.uk or call 01799 599851 (4.30pm –8pm) or 07804684819 (8.30am-3pm)