A charity lunch has raised more than �1,300 to help wounded soldiers and their families.

The Beechwood Hotel in North Walsham hosted and donated free of charge a lunch for nearly 60 people to help raise funds for The Afghanistan Trust, which provides support to the seriously wounded soldiers and the next of kin of those killed on operations in Helmand.

Guest speaker at the event was chairman for the Afghanistan Trust, Colonel Stuart Tootal, who as well as serving in Germany in the Cold War, has seen active service in the 1991 Gulf War and during the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Organiser Judy Bailey from Lessingham, said: 'Colonel Stuart Tootal gave a very informative and thought provoking talk about his time in Afghanistan and also the ways in which the money raised for the charity is spent.'

She added: 'It was agreed by all who attended we are very fortunate to have young men of this high calibre serving our country.'

Ms Bailey's son, Andrew, 21, is currently serving in Afghanistan in the Parachute Regiment. He will appear on the catwalk for the H4H charity fashion show at the Holiday Inn, Norwich Airport, on June 7 which Ms Bailey is also in the process of organising.

Tickets for the June event cost �10 or a table for ten can be reserved for �100. A raffle and silent auction will also take place on the night. To book tickets or for more information, email H4Hfashion@hotmail.co.uk or telephone 01692 581414.