A BLACK tie dinner is being held at Saffron Walden County High School (SWCHS) to raise cash for injured servicemen.

Sixth form students at the school are arranging for members of the business community to meet with soldiers stationed at Carver Barracks who have recently returned from tours of duty in Afghanistan.

The event, which takes place on November 26, will open with a drinks reception and live music before dinner where a soldier on each table will ensure that all guests have an opportunity to have their questions about life in Afghanistan answered.

In between courses, keynote speakers will present the issues faced in the middle-east and how they have dealt with the relentless and unforgiving threat of Improvised Explosive Devices. The evening will draw to a close with a raffle; current prizes include a year’s worth of IT Support for a small business (up to a value of �15,000).

One of the student organisers, Joe Falzon, said: “We have to run an event for our Business Studies course but this year is a bit different as it was made into a competition so we wanted to do something bigger than usual.

“By doing this event we thought we could raise awareness for the Injured Welfare Fund at Carver Barracks because they are a worthwhile local cause.

“We are currently trying to push the event out into the local business community so we can raise make people aware of the event and sell more tickets so we can donate more to the barracks.”

“We are also looking to open the event to the general public so more people can enjoy this unique opportunity and support a valuable local cause.”

Tickets for the black-tie occasion cost �40 each and all proceeds will go to the Carver Barracks Injured Welfare Fund.

To get involved or for more information, contact the organisers by e-mail at 04joseph_fa@saffronwalden.essex.sch.uk or by calling 01788588851 (4.30pm-8pm) or 07804684819 (8.30am-3pm).