Surprise soldier party raises cash for wounded troops

A surprise party held in honour of a soldier's homecoming has generated funds for brave troops.

The event was a celebration of squaddie Ryan Costello completing a six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan's Helmand Province and more than £1,000 was raised for Help for Heroes, the Shields Gazette reports.

It was organised by his family and took place at Hedworth Hall on Dean Road in South Shields.

A total of £1,228.48 has been forwarded to the charity thanks to the spectacle, which included a range of raffle prizes – while a further £200 was collected through sales of Help for Heroes wristbands.

Mr Costello's mother, Alison, said: "We are over the moon with the response we've had and the money we have raised."

Land Rover recently announced it is donating its millionth Range Rover to Help for Heroes – and it is predicted the vehicle will fetch around £100,000 when the charity puts it up for auction.

Posted by Samantha Thompson